Bomba Dauda
Youth leaders and stakeholders from Southern Kaduna Senatorial District have rejected claims of solidarity with former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, following a recent gathering in Kafanchan by individuals who declared support for him.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the group said those who organized the rally did not represent the people of Southern Kaduna, describing them as “a handful of young men acting out of personal and financial interests.”
They accused the group of ignoring what they described as painful experiences suffered by communities in Southern Kaduna during El-Rufai’s administration, including killings, destruction of property and displacement of residents.
The youths cited the arrest and prolonged detention of the Chief of Kurama, Dr. Ishaku Damina, as one of the incidents they said symbolised alleged abuse of power. According to them, the traditional ruler was detained for months without trial and later died shortly after his release.
The coalition called on security and anti-corruption agencies — the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) — to continue investigations into the alleged ₦432 billion linked to the former administration.
They also demanded clarification over allegations that public funds were paid to armed bandits during El-Rufai’s tenure, insisting on full disclosure of the amounts involved, dates of payments, and the legal and financial mechanisms used.
Specifically, the group asked:
How much public money was allegedly paid
When such payments were made
Through what channels they were processed
Under what authority they were approved
Whether they were reflected in Kaduna State’s budget or security votes
The youths said such disclosures were required under the constitutional right of citizens to access public information and in line with Kaduna State’s membership of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which promotes openness, accountability and responsibility in governance.
“If public funds were transferred to non-state armed actors, such transactions must be subjected to legislative scrutiny, audit review and lawful justification,” the statement said.
They further urged the Kaduna State House of Assembly to institute a transparent public inquiry into security vote expenditures and conflict-resolution funds during the period in question.
The group stressed that accountability should not be seen as persecution, adding that Kaduna residents deserved to know how public resources were used in addressing insecurity.
The coalition also reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, citing what it described as tangible development recorded in Southern Kaduna in less than two years.
