The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s ad hoc committee has submitted its report on the investigation into the finances, loans, and contracts awarded during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The committee, chaired by Henry Zacharia, found that most loans obtained under El-Rufai’s administration were not used for their intended purposes, and due process was not followed in securing them.
The report revealed that the El-Rufai administration siphoned N423 billion and left the state with significant liabilities. The committee recommended that El-Rufai, his cabinet members, and other indicted individuals be investigated and prosecuted for abuse of office, contract award irregularities, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.
The committee also recommended the suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, and the chairman of the state universal basic education board, as well as a thorough investigation of key appointees from the previous administration by law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly set up the committee to examine loans, grants, and project implementation from 2015 to 2023, during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor. The report’s findings and recommendations have been received by the Speaker of the House, Yusuf Liman, and will likely lead to further action against El-Rufai and his associates.