The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has taken action against its Women Leader, Haj. Maryam Mai-Rusau, for her outspoken defense of former governor Nasir El-Rufai amidst recent debt controversies.
Governor Uba Sani recently expressed concern over the significant debt left by his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, stating that his administration inherited a debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities.
However, Mai-Rusau, in a bold move, stood up for El-Rufai, highlighting his efforts to support Governor Sani’s political career.
Mai-Rusau stated, “It is a clear case of betrayal. Mallam did everything for Uba to become a senator and later governor.” She emphasized El-Rufai’s role in supporting Sani’s political ambitions and criticized Sani’s involvement in securing loans during his tenure as a senator.
However, the APC swiftly responded by suspending Mai-Rusau, citing violations of party rules.
In a letter co-signed by the state chairman and secretary, Ali Maishago and Zakka Bassahuwa respectively, the party outlined Mai-Rusau’s alleged misconducts, including defamation of Governor Uba Sani’s character and unauthorized publicity of party disputes.
The letter reads: “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).
“In view of the above, below are the gross misconducts where the subsequent suspension relied upon:
“Defamation 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.”