Ex-governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has said he is ready to swear with the Quran that he did not steal public funds.
The former governor has been accused of misappropriating over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure.
He and his associates have debunked the allegations severally.
Speaking on Tuesday during a programme in Hausa aired on Freedom Radio, Kaduna, El-Rufai said: “I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor.
“I have always prayed for guidance in all I do, and I strive not to betray the trust of the people. Whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders are ready to swear with the Quran that they never misappropriated public funds, I will join them. I have no fear because I know I never took money that belonged to the people.”
El-Rufai, a former minister of the FCT, said no one has presented evidence of where the money went missing or who took it.
He further claimed that his allies were being targeted and invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as part of a smear campaign against him.
“I have left everything to God’s judgment. I have prayed and will remain silent on the issue. I have instructed my lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing my name, but for now, I’m focused on my activities like reading and writing,” he said.
El-Rufai said he would return to politics in 2027 after completing his studies. “There is no retirement in politics. God willing, we will return and continue serving the people,” he said.
