A former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, on Friday called for a comprehensive investigation into the eight-year administration of the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging financial irregularities and abuse of office.

Addressing a press briefing in Kaduna, Mr Sani urged the security and anti-corruption agencies to probe what he described as the mismanagement of public funds amounting to hundreds of billions of naira between 2015 and 2023.

He specifically called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to act on the reported indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly and ensure accountability.

According to him, the period under review was characterised by hardship, insecurity, demolitions and alleged human rights violations, which he described as one of the most challenging eras in the state’s history.

The former lawmaker also raised concerns over what he termed the erosion of democratic values during the period, citing the arrest and detention of journalists, activists, clerics and community leaders.

Mr Sani further urged the security agencies to intensify investigations into the disappearance of political activist, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has been missing since 2019.

His remarks followed recent comments by Mr El-Rufai during an interview on Arise TV, where the former governor criticised the Ptesident Bola Tinubu administration.

Describing the comments as inconsistent, Mr Sani said Mr El-Rufai actively campaigned for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections and should not discredit the same government.

“You cannot promote a candidate as the best option and later turn around to criticise the same administration,” he said.

Mr Sani also claimed that Mr El-Rufai’s political influence declined before the end of his tenure, citing what he described as the ruling party’s performance in parts of the state during the last elections.

He commended what he termed improvements in security under Governor Uba Sani and urged the residents to support ongoing peace building efforts.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mr Sani reaffirmed his support for MessrsTinubu and Sani, emphasising the need for credible leadership based on competence, integrity and national cohesion.

He also urged political actors to respect zoning and power rotation principles, adding that opposition politics should be issue based and constructive criticisms. 

(NAN)