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‘I didn’t join politics to steal money’: El-Rufai denies corruption allegation

The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has again debunked the corruption allegation levelled against his administration by the State House of Assembly.

The House had, on June 5, 2024, called for El-Rufai’s prosecution over alleged abuse of office and money laundering in his administration.

The lawmakers accused El-Rufai’s administration of siphoning N423.1 billion.

El-Rufai served as Kaduna State Governor between 2015 and 2023.

Reacting to the allegations, the former governor, in a statement in July 2024, said the House had not responded to formal requests for the certified true copy of the report adopted at its sitting on June 5.

Speaking during a Hausa programme aired on Freedom Radio in Kaduna on Tuesday, October 1, El-Rufai stressed that his sojourn into politics was driven by his desire to serve the people and not to amass wealth or embezzle public funds.

He also vowed to swear by the Quran to prove his innocence in the corruption allegation preferred against his eight-year regime in Kaduna State.

He said: “I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself.  I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor.

X users slam El-Rufai over comment on Kaduna governor’s post

“I have always prayed for guidance in all I do, and I strive not to betray the trust of the people. Whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders are ready to swear with the Quran that they never misappropriated public funds, I will join them. I have no fear because I know I never took money that belonged to the people.

“I have left everything to God’s judgement. I have prayed and will remain silent on the issue.

“I have instructed my lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing my name, but for now, I’m focused on my activities like reading and writing.”

While speaking about his next political move, El-Rufai said he plans to bounce back in politics in 2027 after completing his studies, stating that there is no retirement in politics.

The Star

Segun Ojo

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