‘We won’t be intimidated’ — Kaduna assembly warns el-Rufai’s son after ‘subtle threat’ to speaker

The Kaduna state house of assembly has expressed concerns
over the “subtle threat messages” directed at Yusuf Liman, the speaker of the
house, by Bello el-Rufai, a federal lawmaker.

Bello, a lawmaker representing Kaduna north federal
constituency, is the first son of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state.

On Tuesday, the Kaduna house of assembly established a
committee to examine the finances of the state under the administration of
el-Rufai.

The 13-member committee was tasked to investigate loans,
grants and project implementation from 2015 to 2023 — the period in which
el-Rufai served as governor.

In a statement on Wednesday, Suraj Bamalli, the media aide
to the Kaduna speaker, said after the committee was established, Bello, in
now-deleted posts via X, insulted the assembly and called for a “fight”.

Bamalli alleged that the federal lawmaker also sent
“insulting and subtle threat messages” to the Kaduna speaker via his WhatsApp
account.

“Shortly after the establishment of a committee to
investigate financial dealings, loans, grants, and projects implementation from
2015-2023 in Kaduna State, Hon. Bello el-Rufai took to social media with two
tweets, now deleted, insinuating a call to “fight” and disrespecting the entire
legislative arm of government,” the statement reads.

 “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.”

Bamalli said it is “disheartening” that a federal lawmaker
would resort to such behaviour and attempt to obstruct legislative duties.

He added that the assembly remains committed to serving the
people 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,” Bamalli added.

“Threats and intimidation from anyone, including federal
lawmakers, will not deter the Kaduna House of Assembly from its pursuit of
justice and accountability.”