Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has alleged that there are plans by security operatives to take former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, into custody from
the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
Frank, in a statement in the early hours of Monday, claimed he received information from sources alleging that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) might attempt to arrest El-Rufai when he appears before Justice M.B. Idris of the Federal High Court.
He said: “Pursuant to what appears to be a grand plan by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to politically eliminate Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, I have been reliably informed that plans have allegedly been concluded by the DSS to forcefully take him into custody today (Monday) from the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he is meant to appear.”
According to him, such a move would allegedly contradict existing court orders directing that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending the determination of matters before the court.
He further alleged that security operatives met the previous night to finalise arrangements for the alleged forceful abduction plot.
Frank said: “I reiterate that nothing must happen to El-Rufai. It is becoming increasingly obvious that he is being treated as a political target of the current administration.
“The President, the security agencies, and the Kaduna State Government must remember that power is transient and nothing lasts forever.”
The political activist also expressed fears that should any alleged attempt to permanently silence el-Rufai fail, the alternative plan may be to keep him in prolonged custody until after the 2027 elections.
He said: “It is unfortunate that Governor Uba Sani, once known as a civil rights activist who understood the importance of protecting citizens’ freedoms, now appears to be associated with actions many consider inconsistent with the rule of law, allegedly for political advantage.”
He urged authorities to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could heighten political tension in the country.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, further stated that any attempt to forcibly abduct El-Rufai from the court premises in defiance of subsisting court orders would amount to “an assault on the rule of law.”
He called on civil society organisations, northern leaders, religious groups, and the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding the case.
He said: This is the time for Nigerians, northern leaders, civil society groups, religious leaders, and all lovers of justice and democracy to rise in one voice against oppression and selective justice.”
While condemning what he described as selective justice, Frank maintained that anti-corruption efforts must be conducted within the bounds of fairness and due process.
“I support the fight against corruption, but such a fight must be fair, just, balanced, and devoid of political persecution,” he said.
Invoking the famous warning by German pastor, Martin Niemöller, Frank quoted:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Frank said the quote underscored the dangers of silence in the face of perceived injustice.
He also questioned whether El-Rufai was being singled out among former governors facing scrutiny in the country.
He said: “I reiterate that nothing must happen to el-Rufai. It is becoming increasingly obvious that he is being treated as a political target of the current administration. The President, the security agencies, and the Kaduna State Government must remember that power is transient and nothing lasts forever.
“If anything happens to El-Rufai, Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be held responsible,” he declared.
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