Kaduna Assembly Reaffirms El-Rufai Probe as Protesters Demand Transparency

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability amid growing public interest in its investigation into the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

On Monday, hundreds of concerned citizens gathered at the Assembly complex in Kaduna to demand updates on the status of the legislative probe. The protest was led by Ambassador Yerima Shettima of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative and Aliyu Muhammad of the Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders Forum.

The protesters formally submitted a letter to the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman, requesting detailed information on the progress of the investigation and urging the legislature to ensure that due process is followed to its logical conclusion.

Receiving the demonstrators, Speaker Liman assured them that the Assembly had already taken concrete and constitutionally backed steps regarding the matter. He disclosed that a special committee set up in June 2024 to investigate the alleged misappropriation of N432 billion during the previous administration had concluded its assignment and submitted its findings to the appropriate authorities.

According to the Speaker, the House would not be distracted or pressured into abandoning its constitutional responsibilities.

“There are those who may not fully understand the role of the legislature, but we stand by our documented findings. Anybody found wanting will face the full wrath of the law,” Liman stated.

He emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right of citizens in a democratic society and commended the demonstrators for conducting themselves in an orderly manner. However, he stressed that the Assembly’s work is guided strictly by legal frameworks and established procedures.

In his remarks, Shettima described the protest as a civic engagement effort aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability in governance.

“This matter concerns the future of Kaduna State and the integrity of our democratic system. Citizens have the right to demand transparency and accountability. We are here to ensure that the process is not swept under the carpet,” he said.

The coalition further called on the Assembly to create an open platform where affected citizens and stakeholders could present their concerns and access verified information about the probe’s progress.

The renewed public interest in the investigation comes amid heightened political tensions in the state and at the national level. While the Assembly maintains that the committee’s findings have already been forwarded to relevant authorities, it did not publicly disclose specific details of the report.

Public reactions have been sharply divided. Supporters of the probe argue that the investigation represents a necessary step toward institutional accountability and fiscal discipline. Others, however, view the development through a political lens, questioning the timing and motivations behind the renewed scrutiny.

Despite the differing opinions, the Assembly reiterated its resolve to uphold the rule of law and follow constitutional procedures. It maintained that no individual, regardless of status or past office, is above the law.

As the situation unfolds, political observers note that the outcome of the probe could have significant implications for governance, accountability mechanisms, and political alignments within Kaduna State.

For now, the Assembly has assured residents that due process remains ongoing and that any final decisions will be made in accordance with legal and constitutional provisions.