‘You led Tinubu’s campaign’ – Odinkalu highlights El-Rufai’s ‘sins’
Human Rights Activist Calls for Accountability for Former Kaduna Governor
Human rights activist and lawyer Professor Chidi Odinkalu has urged former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to accept the consequences of his actions during his tenure. Odinkalu believes El-Rufai should confront his current situation with fortitude rather than lament it.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed on Thursday that El-Rufai is now in their custody. This follows his arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release on bail from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday. He was subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.
In an interview with Channels TV, Odinkalu, a former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, criticized El-Rufai for his treatment of dissenters during his time in office. “Every citizen deserves due process, and no one should be granted impunity due to their position or political affiliations,” he stated. “If El-Rufai’s actions warrant legal accountability, he should be subjected to the legal process.”
Odinkalu highlighted the contrast between El-Rufai’s governance and the rights afforded to his critics. He recalled incidents of alleged brutality and impunity, mentioning the late Dr. Rafael Galadima, who was abducted and subsequently killed in 2019, as well as the unresolved case of a political opponent, Dadiyata, who disappeared in 2016.
Odinkalu criticized El-Rufai’s actions of converting traditional kingdoms into Emirates, a move he argued marginalized non-Muslim communities. “People were dispossessed of their rights and properties,” he said, adding that many political opponents faced demolition of their homes.
“Nasir El-Rufai’s record as governor was regrettable,” Odinkalu asserted. He questioned El-Rufai’s ability to claim due process, noting that the former governor played a significant role in supporting the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
El-Rufai’s case continues to attract public attention as the ICPC conducts its investigation.
