Kaduna State House of Assembly Speaker Yusuf Liman has accused Bello El-Rufai, the son of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, of sending threat messages to him over a probe panel the Assembly raised to investigate his father’s administration.

The House of Assembly, on Tuesday, set up an ad hoc committee to investigate financial dealings, loans, grants, and projects implemented between 2015 and 2023 in Kaduna State under Nasir El-Rufai’s administration.

The Speaker warned Bello to stop his threat and intimidation of the Assembly over the investigation.

Liman said Bello sent insulting and subtle threat messages to him through WhatsApp messaging.

In a statement yesterday in Kaduna by his media aide Malam Suraj Bamalli, the Speaker accused Bello of using two tweets which insinuated a call to “fight” and showed disrespect for members of Kaduna State House of Assembly.

Bello El-Rufai is the House of Representatives member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

The statement said: “Threats and intimidation from anyone, including Federal lawmakers, will not deter the Kaduna State House of Assembly from its pursuit of 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 Bello El-Rufai, 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, 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.

“Additionally, he sent insulting and subtle threat messages to the Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, via WhatsApp.

When our correspondent contacted Bello last night for comments, he said: “Small me? Have a nice day. I have work to do. Regards to ‘Pa’ Sam.”

“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 a behaviour, attempting to obstruct the lawful functions of the State Assembly.” (The Nation)

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