
The Kaduna Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has criticised former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of siphoning council funds against Governor Uba Sani, saying it is absurd and unacceptable.
The Kaduna Council Chairmen said that during El-Rufai’s tenure in office, the former governor embarked on the deduction of their fund allocation throughout his eight years in office.
ALGON also noted that the allegation made by El-Rufai against Sani was meant to mislead the public, create disaffection, and ridicule the all-inclusive, pro-poor, and people-oriented administration in Kaduna State.
Besides, it will be recalled that the former governor had accused Governor Sani of diverting local government funds to purchase property in Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the spokesperson of ALGON, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, said that the “Sani administration stands for the rule of law and due process.”
“Transparency and accountability are his watchwords. He supports and respects the financial autonomy of local governments. He has never tampered with the funds of local governments,” he added.
The spokesman further added that, contrary to el-Rufai’s allegations, the Uba Sani administration has been taking measures and executing programmes and projects to complement the efforts of local governments.
Shehu, who is also the Soba Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, recalled, “Some of us served as Local Government Chairmen when Malam Nasir El-Rufai was in office as Governor. We can testify to the fact that what we have been receiving as monthly allocation since Senator Uba Sani became Governor is more than double the amount we received during Malam El-Rufai’s administration.
“Apart from enhanced monthly allocations, we have been operating in an atmosphere devoid of harassment and intimidation, unlike Malam El-Rufai’s era, which was marked by highhandedness and coercion.”
The spokesman further recalled that during his turbulent and divisive administration, El-Rufai introduced and recklessly implemented ‘Riot Damage Deductions’ targeted at local governments in Southern Kaduna.
“It was a policy of collective punishment for Southern Kaduna people for not supporting his administration. This ill-advised action created disharmony and deepened inter-ethnic tensions in the state. Thankfully, this divisive policy has been reversed by the Senator Uba Sani administration,” he added.
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“Governor Uba Sani’s administration’s Rural Transformation Programme has been pivotal in revitalising rural economies and giving rural dwellers a new lease of life.
“Hitherto inaccessible areas have been opened up, rural agriculture has been revived, jobs are being created, and security and peace have been restored.”
He praised Governor Sani’s Rural Transformation Programme for revitalizing rural economies, creating jobs, and improving security in previously inaccessible areas.
Shehu urged El-Rufai to verify his facts before making public accusations and reaffirmed ALGON’s support for the Sani administration.
“We are in a hurry to address the developmental challenges facing our people. We enjoy the confidence and support of Governor Uba Sani administration. We have never had cause to complain about the government’s actions,” he stressed.
The ALGON spokesman advised members of the public to disregard the statement credited to El-Rufai because they are wild allegations not supported by facts.