Kaduna traders, sacked teachers demand El-Rufai’s prosecution over demolitions, job losses
Traders and sacked teachers in Kaduna State have called on the federal and state governments to prosecute former governor Nasir El-Rufai over the alleged demolition of markets and homes, and
- By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna
Traders and sacked teachers in Kaduna State have called on the federal and state governments to prosecute former governor Nasir El-Rufai over the alleged demolition of markets and homes, and mass job losses during his administration.
The affected persons, speaking under different groups, said their means of livelihood were destroyed and their fundamental rights violated, leaving many in prolonged hardship.
Chairman of Rigasa Market Association, Alhaji Abduljaleel Abdullahi Namama, said traders were among the worst hit, alleging that markets were demolished without compensation.
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“We were among the first traders whose market was demolished,” he said. “The former governor promised to pay us compensation and rebuild the market, but nothing was done.”
He lamented that the once-busy commercial hub had been reduced to a shadow of itself, with economic activities crippled.
“Now the place has turned into a ghost town,” Namama added.
He called on the authorities to compel the former governor to take responsibility for the losses incurred by traders.
“We want the government to ensure that El-Rufai pays for the damage he caused. We will not vote for APC again until this is done,” he said.
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Similarly, Chairman of Kawo Market, Mohamed Idris, said many traders who once owned goods worth millions of naira had been rendered destitute following the demolitions.
“Some traders who had goods worth millions now have nothing because their properties were destroyed,” he said, adding that promises of compensation and a new market were not fulfilled.
He stressed that the traders were now seeking justice and restitution, insisting that their rights must be restored.
On their part, sacked teachers also decried what they described as unfair dismissal and unpaid entitlements.
A former teacher from Romi, Esther Moses, said she lost both her job and her home during the period, noting that she had yet to receive her benefits after 18 years of service.
Another ex-teacher, Betty Henry, urged the government to intervene and ensure payment of their entitlements, saying the affected workers were in dire need of justice.
Also speaking, a representative of Concerned Kaduna Indigenes, Joseph Chori, alleged widespread human rights violations during the previous administration, warning that failure to address the grievances could influence future political support among affected communities.
