The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, urging it to refrain from intimidating former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The call comes amidst rising concerns about potential political persecution due to El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of the current administration.
MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, released a statement stating that any attempt to intimidate El-Rufai would severely damage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s image as a democratic and tolerant government.
El-Rufai recently alluded to a potential plan to arrest him, which he believes is connected to his vocal criticisms of the APC-led government and his alleged connections with opposition figures in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
In response, MURIC argued that El-Rufai played a pivotal role in securing victory for the ruling party in the 2023 general elections and was instrumental in Tinubu’s ascension to the presidency.
“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 would like to advise the federal government against intimidating the former governor if the rumour is true,” the statement read.
MURIC warned that targeting El-Rufai would create the impression that the government is suppressing dissent.
The group added that allowing El-Rufai the freedom to travel and express his opinions would enhance the Federal Government’s reputation on the international stage.
“On the contrary, with the realization 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,” MURIC said.
