Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has taken legal action against the Kaduna State House of Assembly, challenging their recent investigation that implicated his administration in a N432 billion financial controversy. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the former governor and the current state government.
El-Rufai’s son, Bello, announced the lawsuit on social media, stating that his father is suing for defamation of character and to contest what they consider unfounded allegations. This legal challenge comes in response to the Assembly’s probe into the state’s financial transactions during El-Rufai’s tenure from May 2015 to May 2023.
The investigation was initiated following current Governor Uba Sani’s revelation of a substantial inherited debt burden, including $587 million in foreign debt and N85 billion in domestic debt. Sani claimed that over 70% of the state’s allocation was being used to service this debt.
This legal battle highlights the tensions often arising during political transitions in Nigeria, especially when it comes to financial accountability. It also underscores the complexities of managing state finances and the challenges of ensuring transparency in governance.
As the case unfolds, it’s likely to draw significant attention from both political observers and the public, potentially setting precedents for how similar disputes might be handled in other states across Nigeria.