The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Kaduna State Chapter has called on the State House of Assembly to constitute an independent investigative committee to probe allegations of diversion of Local government funds.
The call for probe into the alleged diversion of Local government funds by Governor Uba Sani followed the allegations by his predecessor, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-rufai.
El-rufai had publicly accused the Governor of Kaduna state, Uba Sani of diverting local government funds to buy properties in Seychelles, South Africa and United Kingdom.
Transparency and accountability
These claims he alleged, had raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in governance in Kaduna state.
At a press conference in Kaduna, the
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), explained that Local government funds are constitutionally protected to drive grassroots development, and any diversion constitutes a breach of public trust.
While addressing the press, the Publicity Secretary of the group, Ambassador Sanin Yaya demanded that the Kaduna State Assembly to as a matter of urgency launch a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the allegations.
Yaya advised that all relevant stakeholders, including former Governor El-Rufai, Governor Uba Sani, Commissioner for Local government and local government Chairmen should be invited for probe, and ensure that findings are published for accountability.
According to him, available data indicates no Local government receives allocations nearing ₦50 Million as alleged, adding that projects worth over ₦12 billion in Zone 2 remains unaccounted for.
In its claims, the group alleged that the disproportionate allocation removals across Zones one, two and three are done under the guise of project execution.
“The CNPP possesses documented evidence to substantiate these claims and urges the state government to address these irregularities with urgency.”
Describing members
The group however, condernmed El-Rufai on what it described as disparaging remarks, describing members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly as “illiterates” unworthy of addressing such allegations.
CNPP emphasised that El-Rufai’s statement on the state lawmakers undermines the dignity of democratic institutions.
“While the CNPP supports robust public discourse, we firmly reject the use of derogatory language aimed at ridiculing elected members of the state house of assembly, describing lawmakers as “illiterates” is not only disrespectful but also erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.”
“We urge Malam El-Rufai to retract his statement and apologise to the Assembly and the people of Kaduna State. We also call on the Assembly to rise above this provocation and demonstrate its commitment to justice by conducting a credible probe.”
Yaya urged anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to monitor the situation and intervene if violations are uncovered.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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