Led by prominent figures such as Ambassador Yerima Shettima of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative and Aliyu Muhammad of the Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders Forum, the group submitted a formal petition to the Speaker of the House. Their message was unequivocal: the people of Kaduna deserve transparency, accountability, and justice.
Speaking to journalists before presenting their demands, the coalition emphasized that their actions were driven by a collective desire for good governance. “Nasir El-Rufai must stop evading responsibility and prepare to answer for his actions,” the group asserted. “Public officeholders cannot hide behind immunity once they leave office. Investigations of this magnitude must not be swept under the rug.”
The protesters questioned the Assembly’s progress, demanding clarity on whether the legislative probe was still active or if political pressures had stalled it. “We are here to ask a simple but critical question: What has been done so far, and when will the people of Kaduna see justice?” they asked. The coalition insisted that democratic institutions must prove their ability to hold leaders accountable, especially after their tenure ends.
Beyond financial accountability, the group called for an open forum where affected citizens—traders, civil servants, and displaced families—could voice their grievances. They referenced disturbing allegations uncovered during the Assembly’s investigation, including the alleged misappropriation of N423 billion in loans and state funds, the diversion of N1.37 billion meant for a light rail project, and questionable payments exceeding N155 million. Additionally, they highlighted claims of human rights abuses, unlawful detentions, forced demolitions, and mishandling of communal conflicts during El-Rufai’s tenure.
The protesters also drew attention to unresolved security crises, including the Zaria clashes, which they argued were poorly managed. With El-Rufai reportedly appearing before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the coalition urged anti-graft agencies to act without bias, ensuring due process is followed.
The group warned that if authorities failed to act, citizens would escalate their demands through legal and peaceful means. “We will not relent until justice is served,” they declared. They also commended journalists for their role in upholding democracy and urged the media to continue exposing wrongdoing without fear.
Despite their strong stance, the protesters reiterated their commitment to nonviolence, emphasizing that their goal was not chaos but justice. “Our fight is for the dignity and rights of every Kaduna resident,” they affirmed. As tensions simmer, the question remains: Will the state Assembly heed the people’s call, or will the probe fade into obscurity?
The unfolding situation underscores a broader struggle for accountability in governance, with Kaduna serving as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience. The coming weeks will reveal whether the voices of the people can compel action—or if their demands will be lost in the corridors of power.
