The Kaduna State Assembly has asked the Ministry of Finance for financial details from Nasir El-Rufai’s 2015-2034 tenure. This is part of a broader investigation into finances, loans, and contracts awarded during his administration.
Governor UBA Sani’s recent remarks about inheriting a large debt prompted the probe.
According to Sani: “Despite the huge debt burden of N587m N115bn contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.”
”We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.”
Sami’s remarks sparked reactions, including criticism from El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, who accused Sani of avoiding responsibility and staying in Abuja instead of governing Kadina. This led to the suspension of of Kano APC Women Leader Maryam Suleiman, who supported El-Rufai.
The Kano state Assembly also decides to probe El-Rufai’s administration. additionally, the Kaduna State Assembly sent a letter requesting financial documents from 2015 to May 2023.
The House, through a letter signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Sakinatu Idris, instructed the ministry to provide all transaction details to the fact-finding committee tasked with investigating finances, loans , and contract projects awarded during El-Rufai’s tenure.
It read, “I am directed to request that you forward to the Ad-Hoc Committee Memorandum the under-listed documents and all other documents you consider relevant to the assessment of the Committee:-“total Loans from May 2015 to May 2023 with the approvals of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the Accounts into which the loans were lodged and drawn as recorded by Project Finance Management Unit (PFMU) & Debt Management Office (DMO).”
”Relevant State Executive Council Minutes of meetings, Council’s Extracts and Resolutions with regards to the LOANS. (C) Payments and Outstanding Liabilities to Contractors from May, 2015-May, 2023.”
”Reports of Salaries paid to Staff from 2016-2022. (e) Deloyd Reports on KADRIS from 2015 to 2023. (ii) Terms, Purpose and Conditions on those LOANS. (iv) All Records of payments made to all Contractors engaged by the State Government and relevant documents from May 2015 to May 2023 including Bank Statements.”
”(v) Modalities of payments of contracts. (vi) Documents of all payments made to the contractors. (vii) Sales of Government Houses/Properties and Accounts the proceeds were lodged and how the money was expended.”
”Thirty (30) copies of the Memo/documents should reach the office of the Clerk to the Legislature on or before Thursday, 25th April 2024 by 10:00 am, please. 4. Accept the highest regards of my office, please”