El-Rufai’s probe: Kaduna APC, NLC drum support for Assembly

THE Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, expressed its support for the move by the state’s House of Assembly to probe the financial dealings, particularly loans obtained by the administration of the immediate-past governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, speaking with The PUNCH on the telephone on Wednesday, described the probe as a welcome development.

Similarly, the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress backed the probe.

The state Assembly had on Tuesday set up a 13-man panel to probe El-Rufai’s administration.

The probe by the state House of Assembly came weeks after the incumbent Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, lamented that El-Rufai left him a huge debt profile.

Sani, who spoke during a town hall meeting in Kaduna, said he inherited a lean treasury, adding that he could not pay workers’ salaries.

Sani said, “Despite the huge debt burden of $587m, N85bn, and 115 Contractual Liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.”

On Tuesday, the state Assembly resolved to probe El-Rufai’s administration and therefore set up a fact-finding committee.

The resolution of the House was reached during a special session of the House presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Yusuf Liman.

The member representing the Kaura constituency, Yusuf Mugu, moved the motion on the matter of public importance that the loans taken by the immediate past governor be investigated.

Mugu argued that there was a need for the people of the state to know the conditions attached to the loans. Punch