State House of Assembly, Mahmud Lawal, has described ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s
decision to pursue legal action over allegations that he misappropriated N432
billion as “laughable”.
Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Lawal expressed
disappointment at what he described as El-Rufai’s sudden interest in the
judiciary after neglecting it for so long.
He stated that El-Rufai seems to have conveniently forgotten
the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution, which
mandates non-interference between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
“Does he (El-Rufai) believe that by resorting to legal
action, he can obstruct the legislature from carrying out its constitutional
duties?”
The lawmaker noted that Kaduna State had never experienced
such blatant misuse of public funds as recorded under El-Rufai’s tenure, “where
funds were misappropriated under the guise of project implementation”.
He explained that the claimed expenditures were
significantly disproportionate to the actual work accomplished.
“For instance, let me illustrate what occurred at Kofar Doka
in Zaria, my constituency. Billions of Naira were purportedly allocated for
road projects, but tragically, the only visible activity was bulldozers
demolishing people’s homes, rendering them homeless,” he said.
Lawal further criticized the projects carried out by the
El-Rufa’i administration in Kaduna State, alleging that they were primarily
aimed at personal enrichment, with little regard for the welfare of the
citizens of the state.
He pointed out the deteriorating condition of roads from
Unguwar Dosa to Malali and the questionable work undertaken at Kasuwar Magani
in Kajuru, stressing that the shops started to wear off even before occupation
by traders.
The most brazen display of dishonesty, according to him was
the Metropolitan Rail Line Project for which a substantial amount of money in
billions was allocated.
“What happened to the project? Where is the money? The only
evidence seems to be paper records indicating spending on surveys and map
design,” he noted.
Lawal stated that the public funds allegedly misappropriated
by El-Rufai’s administration under the guise of projects execution amount to
more than N432 billion.
He called on the people of the state to support the probe
committee in the efforts to recover the funds for the benefit of all.
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