A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has called for fairness and due process in the handling of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is reportedly in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Frank, in a statement issued on Friday, urged the authorities to ensure that El-Rufai’s rights were protected.
He also said the former governor should be given an adequate opportunity to prepare his defence. Frank said El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself to security agencies after returning to Nigeria from Egypt.
He stressed that the fight against corruption must be pursued in line with the rule of law.
“For the umpteenth time, I reiterate my support for the fight against corruption. However, fairness, justice, rule of law, and due process must never be sacrificed under any circumstance,” he said.
The former APC spokesman appealed to northern leaders, youths, civil society organisations and the international community to intervene in the matter.
“I pray that northern elders and youths will not sit back and watch anything untoward happen to Mallam El-Rufai,” Frank said.
He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to monitor developments surrounding El-Rufai’s detention.
“I therefore call on the Nigerian Bar Association, religious leaders, northern elders, traditional rulers, northern youths, civil society organisations, well-meaning Nigerians, and the international community to urgently demand his immediate release so he can adequately prepare for his defence,” Frank stated.
Frank described El-Rufai as a prominent political figure who played a major role in the 2023 general elections.
He urged Nigerians to closely follow developments related to the former governor’s detention.
The ex-APC official also called on security agencies to act professionally and transparently, saying justice and accountability should guide all actions taken against El-Rufai.