The battle between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani, is heating up. El-Rufai has accused Sani and his government of interfering in the ongoing corruption trials of two of his former aides, making serious claims about political influence, judicial manipulation, and selective investigations. Here’s a breakdown of the escalating drama.
The Trial of El-Rufai’s Former Aides: Bashir Sai’du and Jimi Lawal
Honourable Bashir Sai’du and Mr. Jimi Lawal, who served as senior officials during El-Rufai’s tenure, are facing serious corruption charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). These charges relate to allegations of fraud and other financial misconduct.
While both men are fighting the charges in court, El-Rufai is accusing Governor Uba Sani’s administration of using the trial as a political weapon. According to El-Rufai, the proceedings have taken on a political dimension, with the government attempting to use the courts to target his allies.
The Allegations: Political Witch-Hunt?
El-Rufai’s accusations go beyond the trials of his former aides. He claims that ever since Uba Sani took office, several individuals who served under El-Rufai have been selectively summoned and questioned by anti-corruption agencies. The former governor suggests that those with ties to him are being targeted, while individuals aligned with the current government are escaping scrutiny.
This, El-Rufai argues, is a clear case of political persecution, with certain people being treated as untouchable based on their political affiliations. He alleges that these selective investigations are designed to damage the reputations of his former allies and tarnish his legacy.
A Legal Battle With Roadblocks: KADGIS and the Bail Controversy
El-Rufai’s frustrations don’t stop at the accusations of political bias. He’s also taking aim at the Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) for its role in blocking the release of his former aides. Both Sai’du and Lawal were granted bail by the Federal High Court in Kaduna, but there was a significant catch: the verification of their certificates of occupancy was required for their release.
El-Rufai claims that KADGIS suspended its verification services just as the bail conditions were being met, essentially stalling their release. He argues that this suspension is a direct violation of the court order and a deliberate attempt to prolong their detention.
Judicial Interference? El-Rufai Raises Concerns
The plot thickens as El-Rufai accuses the judiciary of being influenced by political pressure. When the presiding judge who granted bail, Justice Aikawa, went on a trip, he delegated the responsibility of signing the release order to another judge. However, El-Rufai claims that this judge refused to sign the order, even though all bail conditions had been fulfilled.
Read also: Joe Igbokwe: Is There Any Minister Smarter Than El-Rufai in Tinubu’s Cabinet?
This apparent defiance of the court’s decision has raised suspicions that higher political forces are at play, interfering with the judicial process. El-Rufai’s allegations suggest that there may be efforts to prevent his former aides from gaining their freedom, despite the court’s ruling.
