From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
A crowd of demonstrators from the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative and the Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders Forum converged on the Kaduna State House of Assembly on Monday, demanding an official update on the ongoing investigation into former Governor Nasir El‑Rufai’s alleged financial mismanagement. The protest, marked by chants and placards, sought to push the legislature to disclose progress on a probe that has become a focal point for public accountability in the state.
Reading the protest text, Convener of the Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders Forum, Aliyu Muhammad described the gathering as a “peaceful and democratic follow‑up to earlier calls for accountability.”
He urged the Assembly to provide clear information on steps taken since it set up a fact‑finding committee in June 2024 to examine allegations of misappropriation, diversion and siphoning of public funds during El‑Rufai’s tenure. Muhammad stressed that the matter is of significant public interest and that citizens deserve timely updates on any actions resulting from the investigation.
The coalition also called on the anti‑corruption and law‑enforcement agencies to discharge their duties independently and professionally, in line with constitutional provisions.
Ambassador Yerima Shettima, Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative, who led the protest, formally presented a letter to the Speaker of the House, emphasizing that “justice must be done and democracy protected.”
He added that the demonstration aimed to strengthen accountability and uphold the rule of law.
