Southern Kaduna youths reject pro-El-Rufai group, call for probe of alleged N432bn

Youth leaders and community stakeholders in Southern Kaduna have disowned a group that recently declared support for former governor Nasir El-Rufai, insisting the individuals do not represent the interests or views of the region.

Speaking during a gathering in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area, representatives of youth and security groups from the district said the pro-El-Rufai assembly held earlier in Kafanchan lacked legitimacy and local backing.

They alleged that those behind the show of support were motivated by personal or financial considerations and accused them of disregarding the experiences of communities affected by violence and displacement during the former administration.

According to the leaders, memories of killings, property destruction and forced migration remain vivid across parts of Southern Kaduna, making any attempt to portray widespread regional support for the former governor misleading.

The coalition cited past incidents involving community leaders, including the detention of the traditional ruler of Kurama, Dr Ishaku Damina, whom they said was held for an extended period without trial before being released on health grounds shortly before his death.

They urged security and anti-corruption agencies — including the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission — to continue investigations into alleged financial irregularities amounting to about N432 billion.

The group also requested scrutiny of claims that public funds may have been disbursed to armed groups during the former administration, asking authorities to determine the amounts involved, the legal basis for such payments and whether they were reflected in official budgets or security vote allocations.

They maintained that citizens are entitled to transparency regarding the management of public resources, particularly where security spending is concerned.

The coalition further called on the Kaduna State House of Assembly to consider a public inquiry into the allegations, arguing that such a process would strengthen accountability and restore public confidence.

While emphasising that calls for investigation should not be interpreted as political persecution, the leaders insisted that taxpayers deserve clarity on how public funds were used during periods of insecurity.

They also reaffirmed their support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, expressing hope that ongoing governance reforms would prioritise transparency and reconciliation.