Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar
has called on the Federal Government to disclose the whereabouts and health
condition of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February
24, Atiku expressed concern over reports surrounding El-Rufai’s alleged
detention, noting that uncertainty about his welfare has heightened anxiety
among his family, friends, and associates.
He urged the government to clearly state
which security or anti-corruption agency is responsible for holding the former
governor — whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the State
Security Service, or any other agency.
According to Atiku, Nigerians deserve
transparency, stressing that secrecy surrounding detentions fuels suspicion and
undermines public confidence in government institutions.
He maintained that any agency holding
El-Rufai has a constitutional obligation to protect his safety, dignity, and
fundamental rights, including access to medical care, family members, and legal
representation.
Describing reports that El-Rufai allegedly
suffered a nosebleed in custody, alongside claims that relatives were denied
access to him, as troubling, Atiku said such developments are unacceptable in a
democratic society.
He added that if authorities are unable to
guarantee the former governor’s well-being and rights, he should be granted
bail without delay, warning that the government would be held accountable
should any harm befall him.
Beyond the immediate matter, Atiku also
raised concerns about what he described as a growing perception of selective
prosecution, alleging that opposition figures appear to face more aggressive
scrutiny while others are spared.
He cautioned that anti-corruption efforts
must not be weaponised for political purposes, insisting that accountability
processes must be transparent, impartial, and guided strictly by the rule of
law.
“Justice must be transparent. Accountability
must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all — without fear or
favour,” he stated.
Comments:
Leave a Reply