By Abubakar Yunusa
Members of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance (MNMGG), on Monday, staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, calling for due process and accountability in the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The protesters, who converged on the anti-graft agency’s office in the Federal Capital Territory, carried placards with inscriptions such as “They Must Be Held Accountable,” “No Sacred Cows in the Fight Against Corruption,” “Justice for Nigeria,” and “Justice Must Prevail, The Constitution Must Stand Supreme.”
Addressing journalists during the protest, the spokesperson of MNMGG, Comrade Muhammad Abdullahi, said the movement remained committed to promoting transparency, integrity, and responsible leadership across the country.
Abdullahi stated that the prosecution of El-Rufai was a lawful and constitutional matter strictly between the former governor and the Kaduna State Government, urging the public not to politicise the issue.
He said: “The Mega National Movement for Good Governance reiterates its firm position that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains a lawful and constitutional matter strictly between him and the Government of Kaduna State.
“This issue must not be reduced to political drama or emotional manipulation. It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust.”
He referenced the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024), which allegedly raised concerns regarding financial management, the state’s public debt profile, and contract procedures under the previous administration. According to him, the findings were publicly documented and reported by reputable media platforms.
He also noted that some former appointees and close allies of the ex-governor, including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa, were already in custody or undergoing investigation in connection with the allegations.
Citing Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the State to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of office, the group called on the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to continue their investigations diligently and transparently in line with constitutional provisions and the rule of law.
Abdullahi added, “If those who served in that administration are subjecting themselves to due process, it is only proper that the former governor does the same without politicising the process.
“We emphasize that this is not about persecution; it is about prosecution grounded in law. The courtroom remains the proper venue for vindication. If Malam Nasir El-Rufai is confident in his integrity, then he should allow the judicial process to run its full course. Let integrity, not rhetoric, determine the outcome.”
Responding on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, assured the protesters that their petition and demands would be communicated appropriately.
“Your protest and the demands you have presented will be duly communicated to the Executive Chairman. I want to assure you that the EFCC, as we know it to be, will carry out its responsibilities professionally.
“We will carefully attend to all the issues you have raised in your letter. I also want to enjoin you to continue to remain peaceful in the exercise of your constitutional rights, because that is what democracy is all about.
“Be assured that, as far as the EFCC is concerned, the right thing will be done. Our established processes and procedures will be strictly followed. We believe that we have consistently acquitted ourselves creditably in matters such as these.”
