The wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release their husband amid bail complications and detention
Speaking on behalf of the family in Abuja on Tuesday, Asiya el-Rufai reacted to the arrest of Bello Abubakar, the former governor’s personal physician, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC had alleged that el-Rufai and Bello abused official privileges and violated a court order relating to the former governor’s medical consultation.
Addressing journalists alongside Aichatou el-Rufai, Asiya said the family was not asking President Tinubu to stop the legal proceedings or interfere with the judicial process.
According to her, they are only demanding the constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian, including access to medical care, family members, legal representation and bail on reasonable terms.
Appealing directly to the president, Asiya reminded Tinubu of the support she and her husband gave during his 2023 presidential campaign.
She said, “Mr. President sir, I campaigned for you. I stood up and went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna state for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?”
She added, “The ball is in your court, Mr. President. All these can stop if you say a word. We believe that you are a father and we know you can empathise.”
Asiya stressed that the family was not seeking special treatment but only asking that el-Rufai be granted his constitutional rights.
She said, “Please let him go free. I am not asking you to tell them not to prosecute him, but we are asking you to allow him the basic human rights that the constitution you swore to uphold and defend guarantees.”
“Let them give him the bail that he can afford. If he is guilty, let the court decide; if he is innocent, let the court decide.”
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
