By Paul Joseph
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Atiku described El-Rufai’s continued detention as cruel, unjustifiable and politically provocative, warning that it raises serious concerns about the abuse of state power against perceived political opponents.
In a statement issued through his aide, Phrank Shaibu on Friday, the former vice president said it was wrong to keep El-Rufai away from his family during such an important religious period without clear evidence that due legal process had been followed.
He argued that democracy should not be used as a tool to intimidate critics or settle political scores, stressing that every Nigerian deserves constitutional rights, dignity and fair treatment regardless of political affiliation.
According to Atiku, if there are legitimate charges against El-Rufai, the government should openly explain them to Nigerians.
Otherwise, he warned that the development could deepen fears that the country is drifting toward political intolerance and authoritarian rule.
The former vice president urged the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to rise above political bitterness and release El-Rufai in the spirit of justice, peace and reconciliation ahead of the Sallah celebrations.
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