Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to immediately release former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Newsmen reports that Atiku described El-Rufai’s continued detention, especially as Muslims prepare for Eid al-Kabir, as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling.”
In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the development raised concerns over the alleged use of state power against perceived political opponents.
He described the detention as “deeply troubling, politically provocative, and wholly inconsistent with the principles of justice, democracy, and basic human decency.”
“At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid 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,” the statement read.
Atiku said El-Rufai, irrespective of political differences, remained entitled to constitutional protection.
“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.
“Democracy does not grant the government the licence to punish dissent, settle political scores, or deploy coercive institutions as instruments of intimidation,” he said.
The former vice president urged the Federal Government and Kaduna authorities to clarify the legal basis for El-Rufai’s detention.
“If Mallam El-Rufai is being held on the basis of any legitimate legal process, the authorities owe Nigerians full transparency. If not, then his continued detention can only reinforce growing fears that our democracy is sliding dangerously toward intolerance and authoritarian excess,” he added.
Atiku said Eid was a period of mercy and reconciliation, insisting there was no justification for keeping El-Rufai away from his family without clear due process.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar therefore calls for the immediate release of Mallam El-Rufai and urges all relevant authorities to rise above political bitterness and act in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion,” the statement added.
NaijaNews / Tunmise Adesanmi
