The Kaduna Good Governance and Monitoring Forum has urged the immediate arrest and prosecution of former commissioners with questionable records who served under the previous administration of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The group stated that taking legal action against these individuals would serve as a warning to others who might attempt to mismanage state resources.
According to a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee, ₦423 billion was allegedly siphoned during El-Rufai’s tenure, leaving the state with significant financial liabilities.
In response, the forum commended the state government for the recent arrest of Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner, and called for a thorough investigation into his activities while in office.
In a statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Ibn Mohammed, the group recalled that other former officials, including ex-Finance Commissioner Bashir Saidu, had also been questioned, arrested, and charged with embezzling state funds.
However, they criticized El-Rufai for claiming on Facebook that the arrests were politically motivated, despite the presentation of evidence in court.
“As concerned citizens, we are hopeful that stolen funds will be recovered and used for the state’s development. We also commend the judiciary for its role in ensuring accountability and urge it to remain impartial despite any external pressure,” the statement read.
The forum stated that no country can progress without effective checks and balances. It praised the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its investigative efforts and encouraged residents to support Governor Uba Sani’s administration in recovering looted funds.