Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that the current government will be held accountable if anything happens to former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
Atiku said this following a report that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed in detention, describing it as deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.
He emphasised that the former governor’s health and welfare are a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.
In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku pointed out that the Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity, adding that it must state clearly which agency is holding El-Rufai, 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.
According to the former VP, Nigerians deserve transparency because secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion.
“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,” Atiku said.
He said 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,” he said.
“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,” he said.
