‘You didn’t speak when El-Rufai dealt with Kaduna – Coalition slams Atiku
Civil Society Coalition Critiques Atiku’s Remarks on El-Rufai
KADUNA—The Civil Society Coalition, Kaduna Voices United, has condemned recent comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the legal troubles facing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The coalition asserts that Atiku’s remarks demonstrate a lack of fairness and inconsistent accountability for public officials. In a statement issued by Chairman Yariok Makama Goje, the group acknowledged concerns about El-Rufai’s health but emphasized that these should not overshadow the serious legal issues he faces.
Atiku had suggested the Federal Government should be held accountable if El-Rufai suffers any harm, particularly following reports of his medical distress while in detention. He described the situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy,” calling for transparency regarding the agency responsible for El-Rufai’s detention.
In response, the coalition raised concerns about the absence of similar calls for accountability during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by allegations of financial misconduct and intimidation of critics.
Goje stated, “The silence from prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar during those challenging times raises questions about their integrity in current roles.” He underscored that seeking to clear El-Rufai’s name while he faces serious charges from the Department of State Services (DSS) and investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) could undermine trust in public institutions.
The coalition noted that ongoing investigations into claims of corruption during El-Rufai’s administration include allegations of misappropriation of funds intended for significant infrastructure projects, with the EFCC examining reports of N432 billion in questionable financial dealings connected to various initiatives, such as the Kaduna light rail project.
“Misuse of public funds, especially in a nation with limited resources and inadequate public services, severely erodes public trust,” the group asserted. They stressed that accountability is crucial not just for individuals, but for restoring faith in governmental operations.
The coalition further remarked on the broader implications of El-Rufai’s legal troubles, stating that these issues reflect systemic challenges regarding the enforcement of accountability among public officials in Nigeria.
“Demanding that accountability be prioritized and applied uniformly is not only fair but essential for a functioning democracy,” they concluded.
The coalition’s comments highlight a critical issue in Nigerian politics: the need for consistent accountability and ethical standards for public figures across the spectrum.
