A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Renewed Hope ambassador, Jadda Garko, has said former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, must give account of his stewardship.
Garko backed Governor Uba Sani and the Kaduna State House of Assembly over the ongoing probe of El-Rufai’s administration, insisting that accountability is a duty, not betrayal.
“Any former governor or president, no matter the office he held, if he is called to give account and he takes offense, then he is unjust. And anyone who supports him on that basis is also unjust,” Garko said.
He noted that the call for El-Rufai to answer questions did not emanate from Governor Uba Sani but from the legislature, which he described as a constitutionally empowered institution.
“This call did not come from Governor Uba Sani. It came from the Assembly, whose members belong to different political parties. Do you think lawmakers would unite just to satisfy one man’s interest? No. The issue here is the wealth of Kaduna people,” he added.
On speculations that El-Rufai may be arrested soon, Garko dismissed such fears but maintained that the former governor would not escape accountability.
“If El-Rufai thinks he will be arrested today, that will not happen. But when the time comes, and the law restricts foreign travel six months to elections, he will have to remain in Nigeria and face his record. This country belongs to everyone,” he said.
Garko further accused El-Rufai of hypocrisy, recalling his controversial comments on banditry and security, as well as his boast about having a private security network “bigger than the police.”
He also faulted the former governor for allegedly undermining Uba Sani despite the latter’s loyalty.
“It is laughable that El-Rufai now challenges Uba Sani. Till today, Uba Sani has never withdrawn his praises for him. He has never said anything contrary,” he said.
Garko, however, expressed confidence that both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani would secure second terms in 2027, saying the APC remains strong despite internal disagreements.
“The APC has no fear. We are ready for Tinubu’s second term and Uba Sani’s second term. Nothing will stop it,” he declared.