The Northern Christians Accord (NCA) has issued a strong ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over an alleged mismanagement of ₦423 billion during his tenure.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 6, and signed by its President, Barrister Gideon Jato, and Secretary, Brother Sunday Adoka, the group accused the EFCC of selective prosecution, claiming that despite multiple petitions and an official indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, El-Rufai has remained untouched.
“It is clear that in Nigeria, the law favours some while persecuting others. We all witnessed how the EFCC aggressively pursued former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, yet it has turned a blind eye to the serious allegations against El-Rufai despite his indictment,” the statement read.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had, in June 2024, uncovered alleged large-scale corruption in contract awards and loan management under El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023. The legislative body recommended further investigations into the roles played by former Commissioners of Finance and Accountants General in the administration.
Civil society groups, including the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), have repeatedly called for action from anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), but there has been no visible response.
The NCA has now threatened mass protests across the 19 northern states should the EFCC fail to act within the stipulated 72 hours.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has dismissed the allegations, branding them a politically motivated attack aimed at tarnishing his reputation. His spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, described the accusations as “scandalous and baseless,” asserting that El-Rufai led an administration founded on integrity and competence.
“Malam El-Rufai served Kaduna State with dedication, ensuring compliance with all legal and financial regulations during his tenure. This so-called probe is nothing but a politically driven hatchet job that discerning Nigerians should disregard,” Adekeye stated.
As of now, the EFCC has yet to respond to the ultimatum.
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