Atiku Calls for Release of El-Rufai Ahead of Eid al-Kabir
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu and Uba Sani to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Background
Atiku’s appeal follows reports of the continued detention of El-Rufai, which he described as unjustified, particularly as Muslims prepare for the Eid al-Kabir celebrations.
The statement was issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku’s Position
The former vice president condemned the situation as:
“Cruel and unjustifiable”
A threat to civil liberties and democratic values
Inconsistent with the rule of law
He warned against the use of state institutions to intimidate political opponents.
“Democracy does not grant the government the licence to punish dissent or settle political scores,” the statement said.
Concerns Over Rule of Law
Atiku raised concerns about:
Lack of transparency surrounding the detention
Possible political motivations
The broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy
He stressed that every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, is entitled to:
Personal liberty
Dignity
Due process under the law
Eid al-Kabir Context
Highlighting the timing, Atiku noted that Eid al-Kabir is a period associated with:
Sacrifice
Compassion
Forgiveness
Family unity
He argued that detaining an individual during such a period, without clear legal justification, undermines these values.
Call to Action
Atiku urged the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to:
Ensure transparency if legal grounds exist
Release El-Rufai if due process has not been followed
Act in the interest of justice and national unity
“Selective justice is injustice,” he stated.
Political Implications
The development reflects:
Rising political tensions among key figures
Ongoing debates over civil liberties in Nigeria
Increased scrutiny of government actions ahead of future political cycles
Conclusion
Atiku’s intervention adds a significant political voice to the situation, calling for adherence to democratic principles and respect for human rights.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Federal Government or Kaduna State authorities regarding the call.