Youth leaders and stakeholders from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District have slammed a group that publicly declared support for former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, rejecting them as unrepresentative and instead calling for a full investigation into alleged financial misconduct and insecurity during El-Rufai’s tenure.
Addressing journalists at a demonstration, former youth leader Nasiru Jagaba and Derek Christopher, chairman of the Southern Kaduna Peace and Security Network, distanced their constituency from the pro-El-Rufai faction, saying it lacked a mandate from the people of Southern Kaduna. They accused the group of pursuing personal and financial interests while ignoring the “painful experiences endured” by local communities under El-Rufai’s administration.
The youth leaders recalled incidents of killings, displacement and property destruction in the region during El-Rufai’s tenure, and cited the controversial arrest and prolonged detention of the late Chief of Kurama, Dr. Ishaku Damina, as emblematic of broader grievances.
They are demanding that anti-graft agencies — including the Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) — sustain and deepen investigations into an alleged ₦432 billion linked to public funds during the administration. They also want inquiries into alleged unlawful phone surveillance involving the Office of the National Security Adviser and full disclosure of payments to non-state armed groups.
The youth coalition urged the Kaduna State House of Assembly to set up a public inquiry to review security vote expenditures, budget allocations for conflict resolution, and any executive approvals tied to alleged spending on armed groups. They argued that transparency in public finances is crucial to rebuilding trust and accountability in governance.
While strongly advocating for scrutiny, the group reaffirmed its support for the Buhari administration and the leadership of current Kaduna Governor Uba Sani.
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