Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently standing trial over alleged corruption charges.
Mr Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, condemned El-Rufai’s continued detention, particularly as Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The former vice president described the development as a disturbing assault on civil liberties, democratic values and the rule of law.
According to him, the continued detention of the former governor is “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,” Mr Atiku said.
He stressed that regardless of political differences or alliances, Mr El-Rufai remains entitled to all constitutional rights, including dignity, liberty and due process.
“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 added.
Mr Atiku further warned against what he described as selective justice, saying the credibility of democracy is determined by how governments treat perceived opponents.
“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,” he stated.
He also called for transparency if Mr El-Rufai’s detention is based on any legitimate legal process.
“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 said.
The former vice president noted that Eid-el-Kabir symbolises mercy, reconciliation and humanity, insisting there was no justification for keeping El-Rufai away from his family during the religious celebration.
“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.
“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.
