A former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has urged on federal authorities to release ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
He described El-Rufai’s continued detention as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling” ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Atiku described the situation as a violation of civil liberties, democratic norms and the rule of law, and warned against the use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents.
The position was contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The former vice president, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, described El-Rufai’s continued detention as politically provocative and inconsistent with the principles of justice and democracy.
He said: “At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid-el-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.
“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.
“I therefore call for the immediate release of Mallam El-Rufai and urge all relevant authorities to rise above political bitterness and act in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion.”
