Alleged corruption: I’ve reported my traducers to Allah – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has restated his innocence against allegations of looting the state treasury during his tenure, saying that he had already reported his traducers to Allah.

In June, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the El-Rufai administration of money laundering, abuse of office, and misappropriation of N432 billion.

But Mr El-Rufai, who served as governor between 2015 – 2023, dismissed the claim.

He also instituted a legal action at the federal high court to challenge the allegations levelled against him by the state assembly.

Speaking during an interview with Kaduna-based radio station, Freedom FM, as monitored by Daily Trust, Mr El-Rufai insisted that he didn’t join politics to steal.

The former governor also expressed surprise and disappointment by the alleged witch-hunt against him and some of his supporters.

He, however, said he has reported everything to Allah.

Mr El-Rufai 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.”

He added that, “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 go to 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,” he said.

The former minister of the FCT he will return to politics by 2027 after completing his studies, “We will return and continue with politics, God willing”.