Coalition of northern stakeholders raises concerns over El-Rufai trial, calls for judicial transparency
By KEMI KASUMU
The statement also referenced Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for clarity on whether the legal proceedings are strictly procedural or influenced by broader political considerations.
A coalition of northern stakeholders has issued a strongly worded statement expressing concern over the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, urging transparency and adherence to due process.
In the statement published in a Daily Trust advertorial, the group called on the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the judiciary to ensure fairness in handling the case, which they described as politically sensitive. The coalition emphasized that its position is not to oppose legal scrutiny or accountability but to advocate for constitutional rights and a fair judicial process.
The stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as prolonged detention despite the former governor’s reported compliance with official invitations, as well as the adjournment of his bail application to June. They suggested that these developments raise questions about possible political undertones.
The statement also referenced Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for clarity on whether the legal proceedings are strictly procedural or influenced by broader political considerations.
The coalition urged both local and international observers to monitor the trial and called on security agencies to respect citizens’ constitutional rights. It maintained that while no individual is above the law, judicial processes must remain transparent and impartial to sustain public confidence in democratic institutions.
The statement was signed by several northern leaders, including Isma’il Abba Aliyu, Suleiman Isyaku, and Professor Abdullahi Musa Ashafa, among others.
The case continues to draw attention as debates over due process and judicial independence persist.
