The 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate and Former Vice President Of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has warned the APC-led federal government against any harm befalling former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The warning comes on the heels of a statement by El-Rufai’s aide claiming that the former governor suffered nosebleed while I’m custody.
In a release on Tuesday, the Former VP called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to disclose the agency holding El-Rufai in its custody to show transparency in the matter.
He made it clear that if anything happens to the former Governor, the Tinubu administration will be held accountable.
“The health and welfare of 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,” the Former VP stated.
