Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed grave concern over the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, citing reports of deteriorating health and denied family access.
In a statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku demanded transparency from the Federal Government regarding which agency is holding El-Rufai and insisted on his right to medical care and legal counsel.
The statement further urged the immediate release of El-Rufai on bail while warning against the perception of partisan, selective prosecution of opposition figures.
Read Atiku’s statement below:
The health and welfare of Nasir El-Rufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.
The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity. It must state clearly which agency is holding him, whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other arm of the security establishment.
Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency.
Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives.
Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.
If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable.
More troubling, however, is the growing perception of selective prosecution, in which opposition figures are aggressively pursued while others are conspicuously shielded from investigation or interrogation. Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon.
The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive. Anti-corruption cannot be credible when it appears partisan, coercive, or strategically timed.
Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all; without fear, without favour, and without political bias. -AA
