Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has taken a defiant stance against criticism and misinterpretation of his social media posts.
Despite facing severe backlash and insults, El-Rufai has stated that he remains unperturbed by public judgment, emphasizing that “what will be, will be.”
In a recent post on X, titled “POLITICS & PUBLIC SERVICE?” El-Rufai invoked the famous Latin phrase “veni, vidi, vici” attributed to Julius Caesar, signaling his indifference to how his statements are perceived. He declared, “Interpret, mis-interpret or re-interpret any posts, by me or any others, as you wish. I frankly don’t give a damn. Abuse and insult with no basis. By all means, pass your judgment in ignorance and bigotry. Nothing will change. What will be, will be, in sha Allah.”
This bold assertion from El-Rufai comes amidst serious allegations of corruption from his tenure as governor. The Kaduna State House of Assembly has accused his administration of misappropriating a staggering ₦432 billion, leading to substantial debt liabilities for the state. The allegations were highlighted in a report submitted by an ad hoc committee investigating financial mismanagement, loans, and contracts from El-Rufai’s time in office.
The committee’s chairman, Henry Zacharia, revealed that numerous loans acquired during El-Rufai’s administration were allegedly misused, with procedural lapses in their approval. The Speaker of the Kaduna Assembly, Yusuf Liman, added that the administration purportedly diverted ₦423 billion, leaving the state financially burdened.
In response to these claims, the committee has recommended that security and anti-corruption agencies launch an investigation and potentially prosecute El-Rufai and certain members of his former cabinet for alleged financial misconduct, including money laundering. The committee has also suggested suspending the current Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who served under El-Rufai.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has addressed the broader political climate in Nigeria, reflecting on what he perceives as endemic envy among political figures. He expressed skepticism about whether this “incurable disease” could ever be eradicated, linking it to destructive actions and systemic issues within the Nigerian political landscape.
El-Rufai’s commentary, shared on X, critiques the political class’s tendency towards envy and its impact on governance and societal progress. He lamented that instead of striving for improvement, the envious often resort to undermining those who excel, leading to a cycle of negativity and corruption.
The former governor’s latest statements underscore his controversial position and ongoing defiance in the face of legal and public scrutiny.
