Civil society groups have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the case involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The call was made by the Concerned Nigerian Professionals and the ESG Association during a press conference in Abuja.
El-Rufai is facing a 10-count charge of alleged corruption, money laundering and abuse of office, following a high-profile investigation into his tenure as governor. The groups, speaking on behalf of the president, urged him to act to protect democratic principles and the rule of law.
"We appeal to President Tinubu to prevent this from becoming his legacy," said Dr Uche Diala, convener of the groups. "As a professed democrat, he cannot preside over these anomalies. He must intervene and ensure that the rule of law, and not the rule of might, prevails."
The groups also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to strengthen oversight of judicial officers to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary and protect citizens' rights.
President Tinubu's response to the El-Rufai case will be a litmus test of his commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. The former Kaduna State governor's alleged corruption and abuse of office are a clear threat to the integrity of the judiciary and the rights of citizens. The president must act swiftly to uphold the Constitution and protect the independence of institutions. The stakes are high, and Nigerians expect nothing but transparency and accountability from their leaders.
