By Aisha Yesufu, a Nigerian activist, wrote on X today that many people might not agree with the actions of Nasir El-Rufai when he was governor.
“But let us be clear about something: justice cannot depend on who we like or who we dislike,” she said.
In her words: “A government that claims to believe in democracy must also believe in the rule of law. If there is evidence against El-Rufai, then the proper thing to do is simple: charge him to court. Present the evidence before a competent court of law. Let the law take its course.”
She added that it is not right in a country where democracy runs to hold a citizen without trial. She further said, “That is not justice. That is not accountability. That begins to look like persecution.”
Yesufu mentioned that every Nigerian has the right to a fair hearing. In her words: “That right is not a favour from the government. It is a constitutional guarantee. If El-Rufai committed crimes, then prosecute him. Nigerians will support that. But what we must never support is a system where the government can detain anyone endlessly simply because it can.”
She further added that tomorrow it could be anyone else who speaks or acts in a way that those in power do not like.
Yesufu concluded that El-Rufai should either be charged to court or released, and the rule of law should be respected.
