By Mercy Okpe, Lagos.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, has issued a strong admonition to the federal government regarding its treatment of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement released yesterday, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, cautioned that any intimidation of El-Rufai would tarnish the reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a democratic entity.
El-Rufai has recently suggested that there are plans for his arrest, following his criticisms of the APC-led government and his alleged connections with opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
MURIC stated, “Considering the immense contributions of former Governor El-Rufai to the victory of the ruling party in the 2023 general elections, as well as his significant role in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the current occupant of Aso Rock, we advise the federal government against any intimidation of the former governor, if the rumor is true.”
The organization warned that such actions would damage the Tinubu administration’s image as a democratic government and suggest a willingness to suppress dissent.
MURIC further emphasized that allowing El-Rufai the freedom to travel could enhance the federal government’s standing in the international community, noting, “In this age of globalization, permitting El-Rufai to move freely will continue to earn the federal government considerable respect worldwide.”
