Kaduna Assembly warns el-Rufai’s son over probe of father

• No plan to suspend ex-gov, APC assures

Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, has warned Bello, son of the immediate past state governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to stop threatening the legislature for attempting to probe his father’s eight-year stewardship.

He deplored the “uncouth and subtle threat” messages to him via WhatsApp over the probe of his dad.

The warning was contained in a statement yesterday by his media aide, Suraj Bamalli, in Kaduna.

The Assembly had, on Tuesday, raised a committee to investigate financial dealings, loans, grants and projects’ implementation from 2015-2023 in Kaduna State during the administration of the ex-governor.

The Speaker said Bello el-Rufai allegedly took to social media with two tweets, insinuating a call to “fight” and also disrespect the entire members of Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The younger el-Rufai is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

The statement reads in part: “Threats and intimidation from anyone, including federal lawmakers, will not deter the Kaduna State House of Assembly from its pursuit of justice and accountability. The Assembly remains resolute in its mandate to provide checks and balances, and uphold the rule of law in Kaduna State.

“We urge the good people of Kaduna State to remain vigilant and steadfast in their support for transparency, accountability and the rule of law. The Kaduna State House of Assembly will continue to serve the best interests of the state and its citizens.

“In light of recent events, the Kaduna State House of Assembly wishes to address the erratic and unruly actions of Hon. Bello el-Rufai, the member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

“Shortly after the establishment of a committee to investigate financial dealings, loans, grants and projects’ implementation from 2015-2023 in Kaduna State, Hon. Bello el-Rufai took to social media with two tweets, now deleted, insinuating a call to ‘fight’ and disrespecting the entire Legislative Arm of Government. Additionally, he sent insulting and subtle threat messages to the Rt. Hon Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon Yusuf Liman via WhatsApp.

“The screenshots of these tweets and messages have been widely circulated, causing concern among the citizens of Kaduna State. It is disheartening that a federal lawmaker, entrusted with representing the people, would resort to such behaviour, attempting to obstruct the lawful functions of the State Assembly.”

Meanwhile, state APC has ruled out plan to suspend the ex-governor.
Its spokesperson, Salisu Wusono, in a statement, restated that there was not any plot to axe el-Rufai for anti-party activities.

While dismissing the speculation, he stated: “Nothing like this.”
El-Rufai had visited headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja and also recently seen with suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, two developments that forced tongues wagging and necessitated calls for the Kaduna ex-helmsman to be disciplined.

The visite elicited debates on social media amid insinuations that el-Rufai was plotting a political move.

Debunking the speculations, SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, had argued that political meanings should not be read into the trip following their age-long friendship.