Maryam Suleiman (Mai Rusau), the women leader of the Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been suspended for criticising Governor Uba Sani after he disclosed that he inherited a huge debt from his successor, Nasir ElRufai.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, the governor lamented the huge debt inherited from his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Sani said his administration inherited a total of $587 million, N85 billion and 115 contractual liabilities from the ex-governor.
“Despite the huge debt burden of $587m , N85bn, and N115bn Contractual Liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development. We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly,” the governor added.
However, in a viral video in Hausa, the APC women leader berated the governor over his remarks on the debt burden inherited from El-Rufai’s administration.
She accused the governor of treachery and betrayal, saying that El-Rufai did everything to ensure his success during the election.
Suleiman further accused Sani of mismanagement and admonished him to refrain from attributing his failures to El-Rufai.
“If you say there is no money in Kaduna State, why don’t you resign? Notwithstanding the huge debt burden, he ran from pillar to post trying to get the party’s governorship ticket from Mallam [El-Rufai]. It is a clear case of betrayal. Mallam did everything for Uba to become a senator and later governor,” she said.
The party in a letter co-signed by the state chairman and secretary, Ali Maishago and Zakka Bassahuwa respectively, suspended the woman leader, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
In a suspension notice dated March 31, 2024, the party asserted that the women leader had been suspended over purported actions that tarnished the governor’s reputation.
The suspension letter further alleged that Suleiman had been involved in orchestrating an attack on the governor’s political adviser, Manzo Maigari, which was purportedly carried out by thugs.
Citing a violation of Article 21, 2 (v) of the APC constitution, the party stated that Suleiman’s suspension would remain indefinite pending a thorough investigation into the allegations.
“The Badarawa/Malali Ward APC Executive Committee after due deliberations and careful examinations on the viral video clip released on 30th March, 2024 via social networks; Facebook, Whatsapp, and Tiktok which is against the constitution of our dear party APC as stated in article 21.2 (v)” the letter reads.
“In view of the above, below are the gross misconducts where the subsequent suspension relied upon:
“Deformation (sic) of character of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State Malam Uba Sani.
“Unauthorized publicity of the party dispute that discredited the personality of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State.
“Furthermore, from today Sunday 31st of March, 2024, the leadership of APC Badarawa/Malali Ward unanimously resolved to suspend Hajiya Maryam Suleiman (Mai Rusau) from the Party pending the further investigation on the matter from the constituted authority.”
