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‘I Didn’t Steal A Dime As Governor, I Can Swear With Quran’ – El-Rufai

Published

3 months ago

Oct 1, 2024.

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has once again rejected allegations of embezzling state funds during his eight-year tenure. The Kaduna State House of Assembly recently indicted El-Rufai’s administration for allegedly misappropriating over ₦423 billion.

In response to the accusations, El-Rufai and his allies assert that they are victims of a witch hunt orchestrated by the Assembly and the state government.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that during a Hausa program on Freedom Radio in Kaduna on Tuesday morning, El-Rufai stated that he entered politics to serve the people, not to seek personal gain or steal public funds.

He expressed that he was content with his life before becoming governor and criticized the allegations as unfounded, noting that they lacked specific evidence of financial misappropriation.

El-Rufai also declared his readiness to swear on the Quran alongside former state governors and current leaders, affirming that they never misappropriated public funds.

The ex-governor also noted that after his studies, he will return to politics by 2027 because there is no retirement in politics like government work, “We will return and continue with politics, God willing.”

He added, “I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask God to help me in whatever I do in life because, as a human being, I always try not to do anything wrong or betray the people’s trust.

“I always say that whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders decide to take an oath swearing with the Quran that they never took people’s money, I’m also ready to swear.

“This is because I know that I didn’t go into public service to steal or take people’s money.

“I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money, because I give glory to God that I’m content with what I had even before becoming governor.

“Yet, we were accused of misappropriation of funds during our tenure without being given a specific area where the money went missing or who took it.

Governor El-Rufai

“Yet they are going after my allies by inviting them to the ICPC and EFCC with the intention of tarnishing their names. As for me, I had already prayed two Raka’at on Friday night, leaving everything to God, seeking His judgment. This is why I’m not saying much about the issue.

“But it’s surprising and painful what is happening; such is life. What I would like to say here is that whatever evil plans, witch-hunts, and lies against us should continue because we have reported the issue to God, and God willing, we will get justice from Him.

“If you report something to God, you must desist from making comments. Although I have ordered my lawyers to sue in court against attempts to tarnish my name, that will continue.

“But presently, I’m doing fine by going about my normal activities such as reading and writing.

“You can still continue working for the people even after government, and that is what we are doing right now. We are still working alongside those who cherish serving the people, not those who enter politics or governance to siphon public funds to add to their wealth.

“That is not our intention. God knows that, and the people with positive minds know that too. May God bring development to our people.”