Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has refuted accusations of financial misconduct during his tenure, maintaining that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve, not to accumulate wealth.
Speaking during a Hausa radio programme on Freedom Radio in Kaduna, El-Rufai responded to allegations from the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which claimed his administration misappropriated over N423 billion during his eight years as governor, as reported by Daily Trust.
He rejected the claims, describing them as politically motivated.
El-Rufai expressed confidence in his innocence, declaring his willingness to swear on the Quran, along with other former governors and current leaders, to affirm that he never stole public funds.
“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,” he said.
He also mentioned that despite being silent on the matter, he has placed his trust in God for justice.
While addressing the ongoing investigations by the ICPC and EFCC against his allies, El-Rufai condemned these actions as attempts to tarnish their reputations.
“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,” he added.
El-Rufai also hinted at his return to politics in 2027, saying that there is no retirement in politics.
“We will return and continue with politics, God willing,” he concluded.
