Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to, as a matter of urgency, release the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
This is as the former Nigerian leader described El-Rufai’s continued detention as unfair, politically provocative and inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.
Speaking in a press statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said it would be unjust to keep El-Rufai away from his family during a major religious celebration, particularly under circumstances he said raised concerns about political persecution.
“At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, a sacred season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and family reunion, it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause, particularly in circumstances that raise legitimate concerns about political persecution,” Atiku said.
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“Eid is a time for mercy, reconciliation, and humanity. There is absolutely no justification for keeping a man away from his family during such a solemn and spiritually significant occasion, especially where due process has not been clearly demonstrated.
“I therefore call for the immediate release of Mallam El-Rufai and urge all relevant authorities to rise above political bitterness and act in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion.”
Atiku further warned against the use of state institutions to intimidate political opponents, insisting that democracy must be judged by how perceived opponents are treated.
“Mallam El-Rufai, regardless of political differences or shifting alliances, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to the full protection of the Constitution, including his rights to dignity, liberty, and due process,” he said.
“Democracy does not grant the government the licence to punish dissent, settle political scores, or deploy coercive institutions as instruments of intimidation.
“The Federal Government and the Kaduna State authorities must understand that selective justice is injustice. The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents.”
The demand comes one week after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission announced that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
The ruling followed an application by defence counsel during proceedings in the ongoing trial of the former governor over alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences.
El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge before Justice Rilwan Aikawa bordering on alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
