Youth leaders and stakeholders from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District have held a rally to demand the transparent prosecution of the eight-year tenure of former governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The group also publicly distanced itself from a group that recently declared solidarity with the former governor.
At a press briefing held in Kafanchan on Thursday, the headquarters of Jemaa local government area, the coalition described the pro–El-Rufai gathering as unrepresentative of the region.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the former Youth leader of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, Nasiru Jagaba, and the Chairman of Southern Kaduna Peace and Security Network, Christopher Derek, said the individuals involved in the solidarity meeting do not speak for the people of Southern Kaduna and should be disregarded by the public.
In a series of demands, the youth leaders called on federal anti-corruption and security agencies — including the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to continue investigations into the alleged ₦432 billion under scrutiny in Kaduna State.
They also demanded full public disclosure regarding statements allegedly attributed to the former governor concerning payments of public funds to armed bandits during his tenure.
“We insist on detailed information consistent with Kaduna State’s commitments under this global transparency initiative. Any undisclosed security-related payments would directly contradict those publicly declared principles. Kaduna cannot subscribe to openness internationally while operating secrecy domestically,” he said.
The youth leaders also alleged that the group failed to acknowledge what they described as painful experiences endured by communities in Southern Kaduna during El-Rufai’s administration, including killings, displacement, and destruction of property.
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They specifically referenced the arrest and detention of the late Chief of Kurama, Dr Ishaku Damina, stating that the incident remains a painful memory within the community.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that those individuals are unknown and do not represent the people of Southern Kaduna and cannot speak on behalf of our communities. And we urge the general public to disregard the statements of these aliens with southern Kaduna vibes.
“They are a group of young men who, out of personal and financial interests, have chosen to ignore the painful experiences endured by the people of Southern Kaduna during the administration of Malam Nasiru El-Rufai.
“For personal gain, they have suddenly forgotten the killings, the rapes, the destruction of properties, and the merciless murder of children, including infants in their mothers’ wombs, that occurred during that period. The scars of those tragic years remain fresh in the hearts of our people.
“As just one example of what many consider cruelty and abuse of power: the former Governor ordered the arrest of the Chief of Kurama, Dr Ishaku Damina, who was detained for months without trial. Even when he became critically ill, he was allegedly denied release for proper medical attention. When he was eventually released, he died shortly thereafter. This incident remains a painful memory for many in our communities,” Derek stated.
According to the coalition, the people of Kaduna State deserve clear answers on the exact amount of public funds allegedly paid, the dates of such payments, the legal and financial mechanisms used, as well as the authority under which the payments were approved, and whether such expenditures were reflected in official budgetary records.
