I’ve never stolen public funds, I can swear with Quran, says El-Rufai
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has again dismissed allegations of financial misconduct during his administration.
El-Rufai said on Tuesday during a programme in Hausa aired on Freedom Radio, Kaduna that he is ready to swear with the Quran to prove his innocence.
The ex-governor is being accused of misappropriating over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure. But he and his associates have severally denied the allegations.
“I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor,” El-Rufai said.
“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.”
The former governor expressed dismay over the allegations, saying his administration has been accused without any clear evidence of where the money went missing or who took it.
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He further claimed that his allies were being targeted and invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as part of a smear campaign against him.
“I have left everything to God’s judgment. 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,” he said.
El-Rufai emphasised that service to the people continues even after leaving office, stating, “You don’t need to hold a position in government to serve. We are still working with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to serve the people, not those seeking to enrich themselves.”
He also assured he would return to politics in 2027 after his study.