Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has stated that his entry into politics was motivated purely by a desire to serve the people, not to amass wealth or misappropriate public funds.
Speaking during a Hausa program aired on Freedom Radio in Kaduna on Tuesday morning, El-Rufai expressed his contentment with his life even prior to his governorship.
His administration has faced serious allegations, with the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicting him for misappropriating over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure.
El-Rufai and his supporters, however, have rejected these claims, alleging that they are being unfairly targeted by the Assembly and the state government.
The former governor further stated his willingness to swear on the Quran to affirm his innocence, suggesting that current and former leaders should do the same. He remarked, “I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask God to help me in whatever I do in life because, as a human being, I always try not to do anything wrong or betray the people’s trust.
“I always say that whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders decide to take an oath swearing with the Quran that they never took people’s money, I’m also ready to swear. This is because I know that I didn’t go into public service to steal or take people’s money. I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money, because I give glory to God that I’m content with what I had even before becoming governor. Yet, we were accused of misappropriation of funds during our tenure without being given a specific area where the money went missing or who took it.
“Yet they are going after my allies by inviting them to the ICPC and EFCC with the intention of tarnishing their names. As for me, I had already prayed two Raka’at on Friday night, leaving everything to God, seeking His judgment. This is why I’m not saying much about the issue.
“But it’s surprising and painful what is happening; such is life. What I would like to say here is that whatever evil plans, witch-hunts, and lies against us should continue because we have reported the issue to God, and God willing, we will get justice from Him.
“If you report something to God, you must desist from making comments. Although I have ordered my lawyers to sue in court against attempts to tarnish my name, that will continue. But presently, I’m doing fine by going about my normal activities such as reading and writing.
“You can still continue working for the people even after government, and that is what we are doing right now. We are still working alongside those who cherish serving the people, not those who enter politics or governance to siphon public funds to add to their wealth. That is not our intention. God knows that, and the people with positive minds know that too. May God bring development to our people,” he said.
El-Rufai concluded by stating his intention to return to politics by 2027 after completing his studies, emphasizing that there is no retirement in politics as there is in government work: “We will return and continue with politics, God willing.”
