The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have thrown their weight behind the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s decision to investigate the financial dealings, particularly loans, of the immediate-past administration led by Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, hailed the probe as a positive step forward, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. Similarly, the Kaduna NLC expressed support for the inquiry, urging the Assembly to also examine the issue of unpaid severance packages for over 32,000 sacked workers.
The move to scrutinize El-Rufai’s administration’s financial activities comes after the incumbent Governor, Uba Sani, voiced concerns over the significant debt burden and financial challenges inherited from the previous government. Sani highlighted the need for clarity on the conditions attached to the loans and other financial transactions.
During a special session of the House presided over by Speaker Alhaji Yusuf Liman, the Assembly resolved to set up a committee to probe the matter, responding to a motion by Yusuf Mugu, representing the Kaura constituency, who stressed the importance of transparency regarding the loans.
When approached for comment on the party’s stance, Wusono reiterated the APC’s commitment to the rule of law and the welfare of the people of Kaduna State. He emphasized the need for the committee to provide clarity on the financial situation inherited by the current administration, underscoring the importance of accurate information.
Meanwhile, the suspension of the state APC Women Leader, Maryam Suleiman, for criticizing Governor Sani’s remarks underscores the political tension surrounding the issue. The Kaduna APC cited alleged gross misconduct as the reason for Suleiman’s suspension.
In a parallel development, the Kaduna NLC Chairman, Ayuba Suleiman, called for the Assembly’s probe to extend to issues such as unpaid severance packages for sacked workers, urging comprehensive scrutiny of the previous administration’s actions.
Efforts to obtain a response from El-Rufai’s camp were unsuccessful as his spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, could not be reached for comment.
The unfolding investigation signals a pivotal moment in Kaduna’s political landscape, as stakeholders await the outcome of the inquiry into the state’s financial affairs under El-Rufai’s tenure.
