From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, has warned Bello El-Rufai, son of immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai from threatening and intimidating the House over the panel set up to investigate his father’s eight-year in office.
Liman expressed worry that Bello sent insulting and subtle threat messages to him as the Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly via WhatsApp message over the probe of his father.
This was contained in a statement by the Media Aide to the Speaker, Malam Suraj Bamalli.
The House of Assembly had on Tuesday established a committee to investigate financial dealings, loans, grants, and projects implementation from 2015-2023 in Kaduna State during the administration of El-Rufai.
The Speaker also claimed that Bello took to social media with two tweets, insinuating a call to “fight” and disrespecting the entire members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
“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 Elrufai, 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 Elrufai 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.
“The Kaduna State House of Assembly wants to reassure the good people of Kaduna State that it remains steadfast in its commitment to serving without fear or favour. The members of the Assembly took an oath to uphold the integrity of their office and ensure due diligence in their duties, regardless of any attempts at intimidation or threats,” the statement said.
Bello is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.