The Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, on Wednesday, issued a stern warning to Bello El-Rufai, the son of the immediate past governor of the state and a former minister of the FCT, Nasir El-Rufai, to desist from threatening and intimidating the House over the ongoing scrutiny of his father’s time in office.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, kickstarted the probing of foreign and domestic loans and grants which it described as “controversial” secured by the government of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
However, Bello, who’s the member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, was reported to have taken to X, a social media platform, twice, in now deleted posts, where he called for a “fight” and slammed the state legislative arm, following the constitution of the said committee.
Reacting, in a statement by Suraj Bamali, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications to the speaker, he disclosed that it was heartbreaking to see that a federal lawmaker “entrusted with representing the people, would resort to such behaviour, attempting to obstruct the lawful functions of the State Assembly.”
He vowed that the House, under him, won’t back down in its cause to provide checks and balances and uphold the rule of law in the state.
The statement stated, “Threats and intimidation from anyone, including federal lawmakers, will not deter the Kaduna State House of Assembly from pursuing 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 threatening 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.”
Recall, it was reported that Yusuf Zailani denied claims of approval of a $350m World Bank loan obtained by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai by the house during his time as speaker.
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