“I didn’t steal as Governor, I’m ready to swear with Quran” -El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has firmly denied accusations of embezzling public funds during his time in office, stating he is willing to swear on the Qur’an to prove his innocence.
Speaking on a Hausa program aired by Freedom Radio, El-Rufai emphasized that he entered politics to serve, not to enrich himself, and was content with his financial situation prior to becoming governor.
This statement follows allegations by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused his administration of misappropriating over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure.
El-Rufai and his allies have rejected the claims, labeling them as a witch hunt by the Assembly and the current state government. The former governor also challenged past and present leaders to swear on the Qur’an to affirm their integrity regarding public funds.
He said, “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.
“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.”
