Atiku Abubakar Calls for Federal Government to Reveal El-Rufai's Whereabouts and Health Status
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government, demanding immediate clarification on the whereabouts and health condition of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai. In a statement released on Tuesday, February 24, Atiku expressed deep concern over the ongoing reports and uncertainties surrounding El-Rufai's detention, highlighting that the lack of information has caused significant anxiety among his family, friends, and political associates.
Urgent Need for Transparency in Detention Details
Atiku emphasized that the Nigerian public deserves full transparency regarding El-Rufai's situation. He specifically called on the government to identify which security or anti-corruption agency is currently holding the former governor—whether it is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other entity. According to Atiku, maintaining secrecy in such detentions only fuels public suspicion and erodes confidence in governmental institutions, which is detrimental to a functioning democracy.
Constitutional Rights and Safety Concerns
The former vice-president stressed that any agency responsible for El-Rufai's custody has a constitutional duty to ensure his safety, dignity, and fundamental rights. This includes guaranteeing access to necessary medical care, allowing visits from family members, and providing legal counsel. Atiku described reports of El-Rufai allegedly suffering a nosebleed while in custody, coupled with claims that relatives were denied access, as deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic society. He warned that if authorities cannot uphold these basic rights, El-Rufai should be granted bail without delay to prevent any potential harm, for which the government would be held accountable.
Broader Issues of Selective Prosecution and Political Bias
Beyond the immediate case, Atiku raised alarms about a perceived trend of selective prosecution, where opposition figures like El-Rufai appear to be targeted more aggressively while others evade scrutiny. He cautioned that anti-corruption efforts must not be weaponized for political purposes, insisting that all accountability processes should be transparent, fair, and free from bias. In his words, "Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all—without fear or favour." This statement underscores his call for a balanced approach to governance and legal proceedings in Nigeria.
