I didn’t steal Kaduna’s money, can swear with Qur’an, says el-Rufai

•Ex-gov challenges predecessor to do same

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Former governor Nasiru el-Rufai of Kaduna State has pledged to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he did not steal state money during his tenure as governor. He challenges his predecessors to do the same.

The former governor spoke in Hausa yesterday during a program on Freedom Radio Kaduna, which was monitored by Vanguard’s correspondent. He said he was in politics to serve the people and not to steal.

‘I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor. I am ready to swear with the Qur’an to prove my innocence if other former governors and current leaders would do the same.

‘I have always prayed for guidance in all I do, and I strive not to betray the trust of the people. Whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders are ready to swear with the Qur’an that they never misappropriated public funds, I will join them. I have no fear because I know I never took money that belonged to the people.

‘My administration has been accused without any clear evidence of where the money went missing or who took it. My allies are being targeted and invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as part of a smear campaign against me.

‘I have left everything to Allah’s judgment. I have prayed and will remain silent on the issue. I have instructed my lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing my name, but for now, I’m focused on my activities like reading and writing.

‘I will continue to serve the people. You don’t need to hold a position in government to serve. We are still working with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to serve the people, not those seeking to enrich themselves.

‘I intend to return to politics in 2027 after completing my studies. There is no retirement in politics. By the will of Allah, we will return and continue serving the people.

‘I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask Allah 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.

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