Alleged fraud: I didn’t steal as gov, I’m ready to swear – El-Rufai

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has reiterated that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve the people, not for personal financial gain.

Speaking on a Hausa program aired by Freedom Radio in Kaduna on Tuesday morning, El-Rufai emphasized that he was already content with his financial status before assuming office as governor.

The former governor’s statement comes amid allegations from the Kaduna State House of Assembly that his administration misappropriated over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure.

El-Rufai, along with his allies, has strongly denied these accusations, attributing them to political witch-hunting by the Assembly and the current state government.

El-Rufai further challenged other former governors and current leaders to swear on the Quran, as he is willing to do, to affirm that they never misappropriated public funds.

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He said, “I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask God to help me in whatever I do in life because, as a human being, I always try not to do anything wrong or betray the people’s trust.

“I always say that whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders decide to take an oath swearing with the Quran that they never took people’s money, I’m also ready to swear. This is because I know that I didn’t go into public service to steal or take people’s money. I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money, because I give glory to God that I’m content with what I had even before becoming governor. Yet, we were accused of misappropriation of funds during our tenure without being given a specific area where the money went missing or who took it.

“Yet they are going after my allies by inviting them to the ICPC and EFCC with the intention of tarnishing their names. As for me, I had already prayed two Raka’at on Friday night, leaving everything to God, seeking His judgment. This is why I’m not saying much about the issue.

“But it’s surprising and painful what is happening; such is life. What I would like to say here is that whatever evil plans, witch-hunts, and lies against us should continue because we have reported the issue to God, and God willing, we will get justice from Him.

“If you report something to God, you must desist from making comments. Although I have ordered my lawyers to sue in court against attempts to tarnish my name, that will continue. But presently, I’m doing fine by going about my normal activities such as reading and writing.

“You can still continue working for the people even after government, and that is what we are doing right now. We are still working alongside those who cherish serving the people, not those who enter politics or governance to siphon public funds to add to their wealth. That is not our intention. God knows that, and the people with positive minds know that too. May God bring development to our people,” he said.

He added that after his studies, he will return to politics by 2027 because there is no retirement in politics as there is in government work, stating, “We will return and continue with politics, God willing.”

(DailyTrust)