Kaduna: Protesters thank EFCC, ICPC for probing El-Rufai

Elrufai

Hundreds of protesters trooped out on Thursday in Kaduna metropolis to support the ongoing probe of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

The protesters, under the umbrella of the Nasiriya Movement, called for an open public trial of El-Rufai and those responsible for allegedly draining the state treasury during his eight years in office.

They marched through major roads and streets in Kaduna metropolises, calling on the anti-graft agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the former governor’s administration, alleging that over ₦432 billion was misappropriated while El-Rufai was in office.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the National President of the Nasiriya Movement, Alhaji Garkuwa Ibrahim Babuga, said justice must be allowed to take its full course without interference or compromise.

Babuga urged the EFCC and ICPC to ascertain the exact amount allegedly embezzled, insisting that public funds belonging to taxpayers must be recovered in full if wrongdoing is established. “We believe that more than ₦400 billion of taxpayers’ money was misappropriated under the previous administration. The former governor must not be set free until he refunds our money,” he said. He further alleged that during El-Rufai’s stewardship, thousands of workers were arbitrarily disengaged without the payment of gratuities and other entitlements, leaving many in hardship and without adequate means of livelihood.

According to him, “Several affected workers have since become bedridden, while others are struggling to secure accommodation due to the sudden loss of income and benefits”.

Babuga maintained that the group would sustain the protest until justice is served, warning that if they are not satisfied with the outcome of the probe, they would mobilise to Abuja to continue their demonstration.