May 15, (THEWILL) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, warning against what he described as the abuse of state power to intimidate perceived political opponents.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, urged the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to release El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, insisting that his continued detention raises troubling questions about fairness, civil liberties and democratic governance.
The former vice president stated that democracy must be guided by the rule of law and due process, cautioning authorities against actions capable of undermining public confidence in state institutions.
According to him, Eid-el-Kabir is a period associated with compassion, reconciliation and family unity, stressing that it would be inappropriate to deny a citizen freedom during such a significant religious celebration without clear justification.
“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing for Eid-el-Kabir, it would be unconscionable to use state power in a manner that keeps a citizen away from his family under circumstances that raise concerns of political persecution”, Atiku said.
He added that if El-Rufai’s detention is strictly linked to legal proceedings, the authorities must ensure transparency and adherence to constitutional standards.
Atiku further maintained that irrespective of political disagreements, El-Rufai remains entitled to all constitutional protections, including the rights to liberty, dignity and fair hearing.
“The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents”, he added.
The former vice president also warned that selective justice and politically motivated actions could weaken democratic institutions and damage the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.
El-Rufai is currently standing trial alongside his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over allegations bordering on money laundering, possession of proceeds of corruption and related offences.
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