The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, has cautioned the federal government against intimidating former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The warning was issued in a statement by MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, on Tuesday.
El-Rufai recently hinted at an alleged plan to arrest him following his criticisms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and his perceived alignment with some opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. MURIC, however, urged the federal government to avoid any actions that could tarnish the democratic reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The statement read:
“Considering the immense contribution of former Governor El-Rufai to the victory of the ruling party at the 2023 general elections as well as the big role played by him in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the indisputable occupant of Aso Rock today in spite of all odds, we will like to advise the federal government against intimidating the former governor if the rumour is true. Doing so will stain the good name of the Tinubu administration as a democratic government and portray it as one willing to crack down on dissent.”
MURIC emphasized that allowing El-Rufai to move freely within and outside the country would enhance the federal government’s global image. The organization added:
“On the contrary, with the realisation that we now live in a global village, allowing El-Rufai to move freely in and out of the country will continue to earn FG humongous modicum of respect from the rest of the world.”
The statement comes amid growing political tensions and speculations about El-Rufai’s relationship with the APC and the Tinubu administration. MURIC’s intervention highlights concerns about the potential implications of perceived political intimidation on Nigeria’s democratic credentials.