Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called for a sweeping probe into the administration of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging large-scale financial mismanagement and abuse of office during his eight-year tenure.
Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Saturday, Shehu Sani insisted that the time had come for security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to thoroughly examine the financial records and policy decisions of the previous government.
According to him, allegations of misappropriation involving hundreds of billions of naira cannot be ignored if transparency and accountability are to be upheld in Kaduna governance.
He specifically urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to act on the indictment reportedly issued by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Sani argued that an EFCC investigation would not only clear doubts but also reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions.
“Public office is a trust, and when questions arise regarding the management of public funds, they must be addressed openly and lawfully,” he said.
The former lawmaker described the period between 2015 and 2023 as deeply troubling for many residents of the state.
He claimed that the era was marked by economic hardship, rising insecurity, controversial demolitions, and strained civil liberties.
According to Shehu Sani, these developments combined to make the years under review some of the most challenging in Kaduna’s recent political history.
Beyond financial allegations, he also questioned what he termed the democratic culture of the previous administration.
He cited incidents involving the arrest and detention of journalists, activists, clerics, and community leaders. Such actions, he argued, raised concerns about tolerance for dissent and freedom of expression under the former leadership.
Sani further renewed calls for clarity over the disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, who has been missing since 2019.
He urged security agencies to intensify investigations into the case, stating that unresolved incidents of that nature continue to cast a shadow over Kaduna governance and public trust.
His comments followed recent remarks by El-Rufai during a televised interview in which the former governor criticised the current federal administration.
Reacting strongly, Shehu Sani described those criticisms as inconsistent, pointing out that El-Rufai had actively campaigned for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
In his view, it was contradictory to endorse a candidate enthusiastically and later distance oneself from the same administration.
“You cannot present a leader as the best choice yesterday and then turn around to discredit that same leadership today,” Sani remarked.
He added that political actors must accept responsibility for the outcomes of the alliances and endorsements they champion.
The former senator also suggested that political developments in Kaduna during the last general elections reflected shifting loyalties and voter sentiment.
He claimed that the ruling party’s performance in certain parts of the state indicated a decline in influence for some political figures before they left office.
While criticising the past administration, Sani commended the current state government under Governor Uba Sani, particularly in relation to security.
He noted what he described as a reduction in kidnapping incidents and urged residents to support ongoing peace-building initiatives.
According to him, stabilising communities and restoring public confidence should remain a priority for Kaduna governance.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Shehu Sani made his political stance clear.
He affirmed his support for President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani but emphasized that Nigerians are free to evaluate all candidates based on competence and integrity.
He maintained that democracy thrives when citizens exercise informed choice rather than blind loyalty.
However, he cautioned against what he termed a “repackaging” of political actors who have been part of Nigeria’s challenges since 1999 but now seek to present themselves as reformers.
According to him, genuine opposition must be rooted in ideas and credible alternatives, not personal ambition or shifting alliances.
Observers say the call for an El-Rufai probe may further deepen political debate within the state as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Analysts note that issues of accountability, security, and economic management are likely to shape campaign narratives in the coming years.
For many residents, the unfolding exchange between key political figures highlights broader concerns about transparency and responsible leadership.
Whether the EFCC investigation materialises remains to be seen, but the demand itself signals growing scrutiny of past administrations.
As political alignments evolve, the conversation around the El-Rufai probe underscores a central question facing Kaduna governance: how to balance political rivalry with institutional accountability.
With preparations for the 2027 elections gradually taking shape, calls for investigation, reform, and responsible leadership are expected to remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Ireport247news
