COALITION REBUKES ATIKU FOR STAYING SILENT ON EL-RUFAI’S KADUNA GOVERNANCE
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By: Fasasi Hammad
A civil society coalition, Kaduna Voices United, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent remarks concerning the arrest, detention, and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The group argued that Atiku’s statements reveal a double standard, suggesting he fails to hold public officials accountable consistently when it comes to governance and responsibility.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Yariok Makama Goje, the coalition acknowledged concerns over El-Rufai’s health but emphasized that these should not overshadow the serious legal matters the former governor currently faces.
Atiku had reportedly urged the Federal Government to take responsibility if El-Rufai suffered harm in detention, particularly after reports that he experienced a nosebleed while being held. He described the situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy” and called for clarity on which agency was responsible for the detention.
Kaduna Voices United countered, questioning why similar calls for accountability were not raised during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by repeated allegations of financial irregularities and intimidation of critics.
Goje said: “The silence from influential figures like Atiku Abubakar during those years raises serious doubts about their consistency and integrity today. El-Rufai’s case illustrates the risks when a powerful official is accused of wrongdoing while in office. It is neither wise nor fair to defend him politically while he faces major criminal investigations from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”
The coalition highlighted that the charges involve illegal wiretapping, failure to report intercepted communications, and threats to national security. Investigations also continue into alleged corruption and mismanagement of public funds during El-Rufai’s governorship, including claims that billions intended for major projects, such as the Kaduna light rail, were misappropriated.
“These allegations demand thorough legal scrutiny rather than political intervention,” the group said. “Misusing public resources, especially in a country with scarce funds and underfunded public services, represents a profound breach of public trust. The ICPC’s probe into alleged abuse of office and procurement violations further underscores the gravity of the matter.”
Kaduna Voices United stressed that El-Rufai’s legal challenges are not personal—they reflect broader concerns about governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria. “Efforts to preemptively declare him innocent undermine fundamental democratic principles. Public officials must be accountable, particularly when their actions jeopardize national security or involve misappropriation of public resources,” the coalition added.
The group expressed concern over the current focus on El-Rufai’s well-being, pointing out that during his time in office, there was little attention paid to ethics, corruption, or misuse of power. They described this selective concern as unfair and indicative of a longstanding political culture that allows elites to escape accountability.
“The call for transparency in El-Rufai’s detention is legitimate,” Goje concluded, “but it should apply uniformly to all public officials accused of corruption or abuse of power. Selective application sends a dangerous message that political influence can shield wrongdoing, which is contrary to the principles of justice and fairness.”
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