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By James Okoli
The reign of former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, plunged the state into untold calamity. His activities in the state have been of interest to the nation’s anti-graft agencies. The State House of Assembly indicted him for mismanaging the state’s resources, and threw the Kaduna State into unsustainable debt.
Like the former governor, his close allies are also being tried by anti-corruption agencies for the alleged role they played in wrecking the state. Bashir Sa’idu, the former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance under El-Rufai’s administration, on charges of forex racketeering and money laundering marks yet another dark chapter in the ongoing revelations of alleged financial misconduct tied to the former governor’s regime.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2025, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Sa’idu on 10 fresh charges before the Kaduna State High Court. The charges stem from accusations of mismanaging $45 million in government funds by selling them at an undervalued rate of ₦410 per dollar instead of the prevailing parallel market rate of ₦498 per dollar.
The undervalued transaction reportedly caused a staggering loss of ₦3.96 billion to Kaduna State’s treasury, with the prosecution claiming that the funds were laundered in violation of Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Sa’idu pleaded not guilty, and the court adjourned proceedings until January 23, 2025, to consider his bail application.
This case is not an isolated incident. Sa’idu had previously been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on charges involving alleged ₦155 million fraud. He joins a growing list of El-Rufai appointees, including former Senior Special Adviser/Counsellor Jimi Lawal, former Accountant General Umar Waziri, and former Finance Commissioner Yusuf Inuwa, who have been charged with financial misconduct.
The ICPC’s recent investigations revealed a troubling pattern of alleged embezzlement and mismanagement during El-Rufai’s tenure. The most damning claim emerged from the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which indicted the administration for alleged graft totaling ₦423 billion. Although El-Rufai has denied these accusations, the string of charges against his closest aides raises serious questions about the financial practices of his government.
The recent corruption and money laundering charges brought against the former governor of Kaduna State have further ignited widespread condemnation on the administration of Mallam El-Rufai.
The financial losses attributed to these alleged crimes extend beyond mere numbers; they have a tangible impact on the people of Kaduna State. At a time when the state struggles with poverty, inadequate healthcare, underfunded schools, and dilapidated infrastructure, the loss of billions of naira represents a betrayal of public trust.
The diverted funds could have been used to improve education, build roads, or equip hospitals. Instead, they appear to have been funneled into private accounts, highlighting the devastating effects of corruption on governance and development.
The alleged monumental sleaze of the El-Rufai regime encumbered development in Kaduna State, particularly for the new governor, Uba Sani. The leadership and administrative skills of the governor saved the situation that would have deeply degenerated beyond control.
El-Rufai, once celebrated as a reformer and technocrat, now finds his legacy tarnished by these weighty and monumental allegations. The widespread nature of the accusations against him and his appointees suggested an alarming culture of impunity within his administration.
Critics have pointed out that such large-scale misconduct could hardly have occurred without a permissive environment. As the leader of the administration, El-Rufai must accept some responsibility for the actions of his subordinates. His vehement denial of the allegations does little to address the systemic issues that enabled such malfeasance.
The ongoing trials present an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to justice and accountability. Convicting suspects if found culpable and recovering stolen funds would send a strong message that corruption will no longer be tolerated.
Moreover, the cases against El-Rufai’s aides should serve as a lesson for leadership. Governance is a sacred trust, and the misuse of public resources for personal gain is a betrayal of the people. To rebuild trust, leaders must prioritize transparency, accountability, and the welfare of their constituents over personal enrichment.
The arraignment of Sa’idu and other top officials of the El-Rufai administration is a sobering reminder of the corrosive effects of corruption. The allegations represent a gross betrayal of the trust placed in public servants to manage resources for the collective good.
As the judicial process unfolds, it is imperative that justice be served without fear or favor. The outcomes of these cases will not only determine the future of those implicated but also shape public perception of Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating corruption.
Governor Uba Sani, as the current leader of Kaduna State, must take decisive steps to restore faith in governance by ensuring transparency, promoting accountability, and demonstrating that his administration will not tolerate the corrupt practices of the past.
The fight against corruption is not merely a battle for resources; it is a fight for the soul of our dear nation. Only through collective resolve and decisive action can the country move toward a future where public resources are used for the benefit of all, rather than the enrichment of a few.
Despite the huge corruption of the El-Rufai years, Governor Sani has continued to do his best in repositioning the state as the pride of northern Nigeria. In the area of education, security, human capital development, infrastructure development, the governor has passed the test of excellence in office.
• Okoli writes from Abuja
