Traders and Teachers in Kaduna Demand Accountability from Former Governor
Affected traders and dismissed teachers in Kaduna state are urging both the federal and state governments to take action against former governor Nasir El-Rufai. They allege he oversaw the destruction of local markets and housing, which led to significant job losses during his tenure.
Many disaster survivors have expressed their grievances through various groups, stating that their livelihoods have been devastated, their rights violated, and many individuals now live in distress.
Abduljalil Abdullahi Namama, chairman of the Rigasa Market Association, emphasized that the market was destroyed without any compensation for the traders. “We were among the first traders whose markets were demolished,” he explained. “The former governor assured us compensation and the reconstruction of the market, but those promises were never fulfilled.”
The once-bustling commercial area now resembles a ghost town, according to Namama. He called on the current authorities to hold El-Rufai accountable for the damage caused, asserting, “We want the government to ensure that El-Rufai pays for the harm he has inflicted. Until this occurs, we will not support the APC in future elections.”
In line with this sentiment, Kawo Market Chairman, Mohamed Idris, highlighted the plight of many traders who formerly held goods valued in the millions and are now facing financial ruin. “Some traders who once owned millions are left with nothing after their properties were devastated,” he lamented. He underscored the urgency of seeking justice and compensation for the traders, emphasizing their desire to restore their rights.
Dismissed teachers have also raised concerns about unfair termination and unpaid entitlements. Esther Moses, a former teacher in Romi, shared her personal ordeal of losing both her job and home. “I’ve worked for 18 years without receiving my full entitlements,” she recounted, adding that the demolition of her home contributed to her husband’s death. Betty Henry, another ex-teacher, joined the call for government intervention to ensure they receive what is owed to them, insisting, “We need justice.”
Joseph Choli, a representative of the affected communities under the banner of Concerned Indigenous Peoples of Kaduna, spoke out against the pervasive human rights violations that occurred under the previous administration. “These are Kaduna indigenes whose basic human rights are being infringed upon,” he stated, noting that many include teachers who faced termination and loss of their homes. He urged the federal government to expedite the ongoing investigations and insisted that El-Rufai must face justice.
Another resident, Jonathan Mathews, who claimed to have borne a personal toll from the situation, cautioned that failure to act could have political ramifications. “If the government does not address these issues, we will withdraw our support for the APC,” he warned. “If they want our votes, they must deliver justice. People are suffering.” The affected groups have stated that they will reconsider their political allegiance in future elections unless their grievances are adequately addressed and those responsible are held accountable.
