‘Envy is among Nigeria’s political class’, El-Rufai burst out amidst alleged ₦432bn corruption prosecution
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai took to his official X account over the weekend to express his views on what he described as ‘envy’ among Nigeria’s political elite.
This statement follows accusations of corruption and mismanagement of government funds during his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has alleged that his administration misappropriated ₦432 billion, resulting in significant debt for the state.
In June, the ad hoc committee established by the Assembly to investigate the finances, loans, and contracts under El-Rufai’s administration presented its findings.
Committee Chairman Henry Zacharia reported that many of the loans acquired during El-Rufai’s term were not used for their intended purposes and, in some cases, due process was bypassed in securing them.
Assembly Speaker Yusuf Liman further claimed that El-Rufai’s administration allegedly diverted ₦423 billion, leaving the state with substantial liabilities.
The committee has recommended that El-Rufai and some members of his cabinet be investigated and prosecuted by security and anti-corruption agencies for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.
Additionally, the committee has suggested the immediate suspension of Shizer Badda, the Commissioner of Finance during El-Rufai’s tenure.
‘Scandalous Claims’
Responding, El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, affirmed the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismissed as “scandalous”, the claims by the committee.
He said, “Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears.
“Many of the officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude which they served Kaduna State. They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions.
“It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.
“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is.”
He has since filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the state House of Assembly.
‘Envy Leads To Hatred’, Says El-Rufai On A Weekend Reflection
However, in a long post on his on X handle on Saturday, El-Rufai who described envy as an ‘incurable disease’ said he doubted if it could be cured among the political class.
He said, “WEEKEND REFLECTION: “NONE of us has to fail for ALL of us to succeed. And in unity there is strength.” – @VP Kamala Harris, US Vice President (2021-2024) and Democratic Presidential Candidate at the Democratic National Convention,
“The quote above led me to reflect on the meaning and implications for our situation in Nigeria. Feelings of envy require that EVERYONE fails for ONE to succeed.
“Envy is quite prevalent amongst the key actors in our political system. Competence, capacity, and commitment are some personal leadership qualities that attract the envy of those lacking or deficient in these indices.
“Instead of striving to attain, the envious seeks to hate and destroy those that are better. Envy leads to hatred.
“Hatred leads to destructive thoughts and actions, including unspeakable crimes like perjury, malicious prosecution, persecution, unlawful imprisonment, torture and even murder for the target(s) of the envy.
“Can the incurable disease of envy amongst Nigerians, particularly within the members of the political class be cured? Personally, I doubt it.
“The emerging problem of Nigeria is the outcome of the continuously deteriorating competence, capacity and commitment of the political leadership.
“Societies succeed or fail depending on these personal and institutional qualities.
“No matter what, the incurable virus of ENVY has to be confronted and degraded, if not cured, if Nigeria is to achieve its manifest destiny of greatness and leadership of the Black Race. I pray this can be realized. Amen.”