Atiku Calls for Immediate Release of El-Rufai Ahead of Eid Kabeer

 

ABUJA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar h1as called on federal authorities and the Kaduna State Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unjustifiable and troubling ahead of the Eid Kabir celebrations.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said El-Rufai’s detention amounts to an assault on civil liberties, democratic norms, and the rule of law. He argued that it raises concerns about the use of state power to intimidate political opponents.

“At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid 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,” the statement said.

Atiku stressed that El-Rufai, regardless of political differences, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to constitutional protections, including rights to dignity, liberty, and due process. He said democracy does not permit the government to punish dissent or use coercive institutions to settle political scores.

“The Federal Government and the Kaduna State authorities must understand that selective justice is injustice. The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents,” he said.

The former vice president urged authorities to provide transparency if El-Rufai is being held under a legitimate legal process. He added that continued detention without clear due process would reinforce fears that Nigeria’s democracy is sliding toward intolerance and authoritarian excess.

“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,” the statement added.

Atiku called for El-Rufai’s immediate release and urged relevant authorities to act in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion.

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