Atiku Seeks Clarity On El-Rufai's Continued Detention By FG

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asked the Federal Government to be transparent on the continued detention of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State amid reports of health complications and restricted access to family and lawyers.

This is coming after El-Rufai had spent over eight days in the custody of the anti-graft agencies since he honoured the invitation extended to him last Monday, February 16.

Atiku, in a statement, described the situation as a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.

The former Vice President explained that there is need for the Federal Government to brief Nigerians on which of its agencies is holding El-Rufai.

He added that if the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay.

According to him, any form of percieved selective prosecution will create the perception of partisanship.

“The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable.”

“The Federal government owes Nigerians the duty to explain whether it is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service, or any other arm of the security establishment that is holding the former governor.”

“Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon. 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.”

“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.”