ICPC Arrests Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai’s Finance Commissioner At Lagos Airport
Sustaining its onslaught, Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have apprehended former Kaduna Governor, El-Rufai’s Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General, Shizzer Joy Nasara Bada. Bada was reportedly arrested on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos while attempting to travel abroad. The arrest comes amid growing suspicions that Bada might be fleeing the country due to ongoing corruption investigations linked to both herself and former Governor el-Rufai. ICPC officials had reportedly been tracking her movements after receiving intelligence that she might attempt to evade questioning. This move is part of a broader investigation targeting several high-ranking officials from el-Rufai’s administration. According to Saharareporters, sources suggest the scrutiny is centered on alleged financial mismanagement during their time in office, with multiple individuals under investigation for their roles. The Kaduna State House of Assembly recently indicted el-Rufai for allegedly embezzling ₦423 billion from the state treasury. Though the exact charges against Bada have not yet been disclosed, insiders believe they involve significant financial irregularities and misappropriation of public funds. Bada’s arrest has sparked widespread speculation, with many questioning whether this marks the start of a larger investigation into the former governor’s administration. The ICPC is expected to release further details as the investigation progresses, potentially revealing the extent of corruption within the previous leadership. Former Governor el-Rufai, meanwhile, has launched a legal challenge against the Kaduna State House of Assembly after it accused his administration of mismanaging ₦432 billion during his eight-year tenure. His attorney, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, filed a fundamental rights lawsuit in June, seeking to contest the claims made against him.
El-Rufai visits Buhari
Barely 24 hours after the visit of former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakr Atiku, Malam Nasir El Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state has also been spotted at Daura on a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari. While the visit is fueling speculations about potential political maneuvers ahead of the 2027 general elections in some quarters, some also think that it may have a thing or two to do with the emirate tussle in Kano as el Rufai’s bosom friend, Muhammdu Sanusi II locks horns with his cousin, Aminu Ado Bayero over Emirship of Kano. It will be recalled that Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was dethroned and banished from Kano by former Kano State Governor Abdulahi Ganduje under circumstances in which many observers speculated had the tacit approval of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020. Analysts who hold this opinion insist that since those opposed to Sanusi’s reinstatement are the heavy lifters in the current Federal Government and loyalists of former President Buhari, it will make sense for the former governor to appeal to President Buhari for his intervention. There is also the 2027 connection that the reinstatement of Sanusi will augur well for the emergence of a northern president in 2027 if Sanusi is returned as Emir of Kano as opposed to Aminu Bayero who may likely side with Dr. Ganduje and his co-travelers.
APC Speaks On Plan To Suspend El-Rufai
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna says there is no plan to suspend Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state. There were reports that el-Rufai would soon be suspended for alleged anti-party activities. In a text message to TheCable on Tuesday night, Salisu Wusono, spokesperson of APC in Kaduna, said there is no such plan. “Nothing like this!,” Wusono said. El-Rufai was recently seen with Abdul Ningi, the senator suspended for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by about N3 trillion. El-Rufai also visited the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja. These visits elicited debates on social media, amid insinuations that the former governor is plotting a political move. Shehu Gabam, national chair of the SDP, had said political meanings should not be read into the SDP visit because he has known el-Rufai for quite some time. “My relationship with Mallam Nasir el-Rufai predates 1999. I knew him long before then, and we have been close,” he had said. “Coming to the SDP secretariat, I don’t know why it is so special that people misinterpret or interpret how it suits them. There are a lot of politicians of the APC that have visited me, other parties have visited me. “Do not forget that not too long ago, Al Mustapha came to my office and people were speculating that he is decamping to SDP. “Will you be surprised if President Bola Tinubu visits SDP? He knows me and I know him.”
El-Rufai Visits Suspended Senator Ningi At His Residence
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, has paid a solidarity visit to suspended Senator Abdul Ningi at his residence. Senator Ningi had raised concerns about the budget implementation under the Tinubu-led government, alleging discrepancies between the approved budget and the actual implementation. He was eventually suspended for three months by the Akpabio-led senate. The details of El-Rufai’s visit to the PDP lawmaker cannot be ascertained as at press time but it might be connected to the 2027 presidential polls. On Thursday, El-Rufai visited the Social Democratic Party headquarters in Abuja with many speculating his impending defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, his spokesperson refuted the rumors.