Our Reporter, Abuja
Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has called on the Federal Government to either charge former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to court or release him, insisting that his continued detention must be guided strictly by due process and not his past record in office.
In a statement on Wednesday, Yesufu said that while many Nigerians disagreed with el-Rufai’s actions as governor, justice must not be driven by personal sentiments or public opinion.
“Many of us disagreed strongly with the actions of Nasir el-Rufai when he was governor. But let us be clear about something: justice cannot depend on who we like or who we dislike,” she said.
She maintained that any case against the former governor should be handled transparently through the courts, stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains fundamental in a democracy.
“A government that claims to believe in democracy must also believe in the rule of law. If there is evidence against el-Rufai, then the proper thing to do is simple: charge him to court, present the evidence before a competent court of law, and let the law take its course,” she stated.
Yesufu described prolonged detention without trial as unacceptable, warning that it undermines accountability and could be perceived as persecution.
“What is unacceptable in a democratic society is holding a citizen indefinitely without trial. That is not justice. That is not accountability. That begins to look like persecution,” she added.
She further emphasised that the right to a fair hearing is guaranteed under the Constitution and must be upheld irrespective of an individual’s status or popularity.
“Every Nigerian, no matter how powerful or unpopular, has the right to a fair hearing. That right is not a favour from the government. It is a constitutional guarantee,” she said.
The activist also cautioned against setting a precedent where individuals could be detained arbitrarily, noting that such actions could eventually affect other citizens.
“Today it may be el-Rufai. Tomorrow it could be anyone else who speaks or acts in a way that those in power do not like. A democracy must be better than that,” she warned.
She concluded by urging the authorities to act in accordance with the law, calling for transparency in the handling of the matter.
“The message is simple: charge him to court or release him. Let justice be done openly, lawfully, and transparently,” Yesufu said.
