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Battle Royale: The Travails of Nasir el-Rufai

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

For the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, now is far from the best of times as he is embroiled in a scandal that involves stealing of a whooping sum of N423 billion from the state coffers while he was governor, according to the State House of Assembly.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had established an ad hoc committee to review all finances, loans, and contracts awarded under the immediate-past governor, and filed its findings on Wednesday, indicting the ex-governor and several of his officials for syphoning N423 billion in state funds.

The incumbent governor of the state, Uba Sani, while speaking during a town hall meeting in Kaduna, said he inherited a lean treasury, which made it difficult for him to pay workers’ salaries.

He said that, “Despite the huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.”

Consequent upon the suspicion of malapproprietion of funds in the administration of El-Rufai, Governor Sani had referred the matter to the state house of Assembly, which set up a 13-man panel in April to conduct a thorough investigation of the El-Rufai government.

The panel was led by Deputy Speaker Henry Danjuma, and began work immediately, using as premise, the complaints of Governor Sani, which bordered on the inherited lean treasury, leaving him with a huge debt profile.

The panel worked with speed, and came out with a detailed report, which indicted the former governor.

While presenting the report during plenary during the week, Danjuma stated that the majority of loans secured during El-Rufai’s government were not used for the intended purpose, and that in some cases, proper process was not followed in obtaining the loans.

Receiving the report, Yusuf Liman, Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, stated that the El-Rufai administration syphoned a total of N423 billion, leaving the state with massive liabilities.

The committee’s report, which was immediately adopted and its recommendations forwarded to state Governor Sani for immediate action, alleged that El-Rufai authorised massive withdrawals of cash from the state’s coffers, both in naira and dollars, with no records of utilisation, depriving the state of critical resources for development.

It further claimed that El-Rufai was involved in collusive actions with commissioners and heads of parastatals by allegedly sending directions to the Kaduna Public Procurement Agency to avoid due process in contractor payment via a letter dated June 21, 2021.

The committee reported that certain government contractors were overpaid, while others received funds without completing the allotted jobs.

It consequently suggested that the contractors it identified restore a total sum of N36.3 billion as “funds paid for work either not done, overpayment, or diversion to the Kaduna State government.”

The committee also recommended that the current Commissioner of Finance, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, and Executive Secretary of the State Pension Bureau step aside to allow for a thorough investigation of the ministry’s and agencies’ activities.

The Assembly, in adopting the 13-man panel’s report, asked Governor Uba Sani to refer El-Rufai, his Commissioner of Finance, and other aides to competent security agencies for inquiry.

However, El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, has quickly dismissed the allegation as untrue and scandalous.’

“We are aware of news that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of the ad hoc committee it asked to probe the El-Rufai government.

“We have not been provided with a copy of the report, to which we will respond robustly whenever we obtain it. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismiss the scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee,” Adekeye said.

In their reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has said reports of the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s investigations on the expenditure of the immediate past administration of Elrufai had vindicated its position.

A statement issued by the party signed by the state publicity secretary, Abraham Catoh, said they had always challenged the government on certain expenses of the El-rufai government.

The PDP therefore called on the governor of the state, Sen. Uba Sani, to, as a matter of transparency and posterity, immediately invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related matters Commission (ICPC) to investigate further and recover all the monies allegedly looted by those found guilty and be prosecuted as revealed and recommended by the committee’s report.

It would be recalled that the ad-hoc committee set up to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former governor, Mallam el-Rufai, the Kaduna State House of Assembly found him and several of his commissioners and aides wanting and asked that anti-graft agencies probe them.

The House alleged that N423bn of state resources were siphoned under the El-Rufa’i government and asked the incumbent governor to refer the former governor, former commissioners of finance and other indicted aides to relevant security agencies for investigation.

“The reports of the Kaduna State House of Assembly investigations on financial expenditure of the immediate past administration of Nasir Elrufai has vindicated the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, that has always challenged the government on certain expenses of the Elrufai government.

“The PDP wishes to call on the governor of the state, Sen. Uba Sani, to, as a matter of transparency and posterity, immediately invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Matters Commission, ICPC, to further investigate and recover all the monies looted by Nasir Elrufai and his cronies and those found guilty be prosecuted, as revealed and recommended by the Committee’s report.

“It will be recalled that earlier, governor Uba Sani had claimed that he supported and gave his consent during the application for the loan in good faith while serving as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Kaduna, taking this bold step will further exonerate him from the public scrutiny and court of public opinion.

“The PDP supports full government action towards enthroning transparency and good governance across all levels of government in the state.”

Apart from the PDP, other Nigerians, mostly of Kaduna extraction, including Senator Shehu Sani, has asked for a thorough probe of the former governor, and any person involved in the scandal.

Also lending hia voice, Constitutional Lawyer, Prof Mike Ozekhome said the former governor has a right to a fair hearing.

“…I think that whatever happens, el-Rufai must be given his right to a fair hearing. The assembly has just merely made a recommendation and told the governor to implement it,” he said.

“The governor may look at it and, and feel well, ‘this is not worth the energy at the time. Let’s face other things’.

“Others may say, ‘N423 billion they are accusing him of is not a small amount; let’s dig in.’ So, whatever the outcome would be, don’t forget that El-Rufai also has his own fundamental rights to protect. For example, he may decide to go to court to challenge the indictment itself.

“Maybe you could say he was not given a fair trial. He was never called. I don’t know whether he was called to come and defend himself.

“Was he duly invited? Was he given an opportunity to defend himself? If he was and he chose to stay back, that’s another ball game. So, because I do not have all those duties, it becomes peremptory for me to comment on it.

“You don’t indict a person by proxy. No, you don’t, particularly in a matter that has criminal connotations. You can’t do that by proxy. So, it has to be the person.”

Recall that earlier in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, El-rufai was dropped, having been given hope of making the Ministerial list. No cogent reasons have so far been given for the treatment.

But stakeholders have wondered why the battle royale, since both parties belong to the same All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coming days will unveil much about the present contest between two allies.

Headline

2027: Tinubu Wants to Contest Against Himself – Dele Momodu

Published

15 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Eric

Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has accused Nigerian President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, reiterating his earlier warning that the country is finally drifting toward a one-party political system.

Momodu made the remarks during an appearance on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, where he delivered a sweeping critique of the current political landscape and the growing wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, democracy thrives on strong opposition parties and competitive elections, but recent political developments suggest the ruling party may be consolidating power in a way that limits meaningful political competition.

“There must be opposition politics. There must be opposition candidates, but Tinubu wants to contest against himself and it doesn’t make sense to me,” Momodu said during the interview.

He argued that the increasing movement of opposition politicians into the ruling party is creating a political environment where viable alternatives to the government are shrinking.

Momodu described the situation as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that if opposition parties continue to weaken, the country could gradually move toward a one-party system.

“A lot of people are worried that now we have virtually a one-party state. It’s a sad day for democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

The veteran journalist and publisher also suggested that many politicians aligning themselves with the government are motivated more by access to power and resources than genuine political conviction. Addressing the president directly during the interview, Momodu said some of those publicly expressing loyalty to Tinubu may ultimately betray him at the polls.

“A lot of people are deceiving you, Mr President. They are going to collect your money. They know you have a bottomless pit of money. They will collect it, but I doubt if they will vote for you,” he said.

Momodu noted that his criticism of the president was not personal, recalling that he and Tinubu were once allies during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle against military rule.

He said both men were active during the campaign to actualise the June 12, 1993 election won by the late businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

“We were together in exile. He was very active in the struggle against dictatorship,” Momodu said, adding that his views about Tinubu’s leadership style developed over time.

Despite their shared political history, Momodu said he felt compelled to speak out about what he described as the increasing concentration of power in Nigeria’s political system.

Looking ahead to the next presidential election, Momodu said Tinubu could be defeated if opposition forces unite around a strong coalition candidate. He specifically mentioned former vice-president Atiku Abubakar as a potential contender capable of challenging the ruling party.

According to him, a joint ticket combining Atiku with Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi could significantly weaken the ruling party’s chances.

“If we have a combination of Atiku, maybe with Peter Obi, maybe with Rotimi Amaechi, Tinubu will be gone,” he said.

Momodu also insisted that Tinubu is not as politically invincible as many believe, arguing that unpopular incumbents can be defeated through strategic opposition alliances and voter mobilisation.

“It is not that Nigerians are afraid of Tinubu. Tinubu is afraid of Nigerians,” he said.

He further criticised the administration’s performance in several areas, particularly security and economic hardship, noting that many Nigerians are facing difficult living conditions.

“Insecurity is number one. Poverty has quadrupled. The fuel subsidy was removed and the government says more money is coming in, but Nigerians have not seen the effect of it,” he said.

Momodu added that the government should focus on addressing the country’s pressing challenges rather than concentrating on political calculations ahead of the next election.

“The president should focus on solving the problems of Nigerians now instead of thinking about 2027,” he said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s political history shows that governments that concentrate power eventually face resistance from the electorate and insisted that citizens must remain engaged in protecting the country’s democratic system.

“Any citizen who believes that Tinubu does not deserve a second term should come out boldly and oppose him,” Momodu said.

Source: thewhistler.ng

Headline

UK Orders Airspace Restrictions, Road Closures for Tinubu’s State Visit

Published

4 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have announced temporary airspace restrictions and road closures in Windsor ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to the country.

Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, will host Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle on March 18 and 19, 2026.

State visits represent the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarch.

According to Thames Valley Police, extensive security measures will be implemented in Windsor during Tinubu’s state visit, including an expanded airspace exclusion zone and a large-scale policing operation.

The castle already operates under a permanent airspace restriction, but authorities said the exclusion zone will be extended on March 18 between 07:00 and 23:59 GMT.

Police warned that anyone who breaches the restriction will “likely” face arrest.

Security operations will involve search teams, armed units, mounted officers, and road policing officers. Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator teams will also conduct patrols across the town to deter and detect criminal activity while engaging with the public.

Officials added that Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers will also be used as part of security arrangements.

Ch Supt Adrian Hall of the joint operations unit said:

“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing royal events in Windsor, and significant planning and preparation have gone into this event.

“We will ensure everyone attending the state visit, including dignitaries, spectators, and members of the public, are kept safe to enjoy the historic occasion.”

Authorities said several road closures and parking restrictions will begin on March 17 ahead of Tinubu’s State visit, warning that motorists may experience temporary disruption on roads in and around Windsor.

Some footways and pedestrian crossings in the town centre will also close periodically between 09:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 for a ceremonial procession.

Headline

False and Misleading: Senator Ireti Kingibe Not Suspended, Says ADC

Published

4 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has dismissed reports that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended from the party, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Kingibe currently represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC is not aware of any decision to suspend the senator and urged the public to ignore the circulating reports.

Abdullahi emphasized that the party has well-defined constitutional procedures for handling allegations involving its members.

“The African Democratic Congress is unaware of any suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe, the distinguished Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

He added that as a law-abiding political party, the ADC follows established internal mechanisms when dealing with issues concerning its members rather than addressing such matters through media statements.

“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC has clear constitutional procedures for addressing any allegations involving its members. Such matters are handled through established internal mechanisms, not through press statements,” Abdullahi stated.

The party therefore called on the public and media organizations to disregard the reports of Kingibe’s alleged suspension.

“We therefore urge the public and the media to disregard the reports suggesting that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended by the party, as they are false and misleading,” the statement added.