Describing the incidents as a “coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices,” Atiku warned that Nigeria risks slipping into authoritarian rule if such actions persist.

“These are not isolated incidents,” he said. “They represent a troubling pattern of repression, targeting opposition figures and civic engagement. Dissent is vital to democracy. Criminalising opposition and using security agencies to silence reformist voices undermines our democratic foundations.”

Atiku stressed that defending democracy must go beyond partisan lines, urging Nigerians to recognise the urgency of preserving civic freedoms.

Read Also: Atiku delays ADC membership card collection

“Power is transient, but history will harshly judge those who wield it against the people,” he said. “Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party.”

His comments follow growing concerns over the alleged use of security forces to suppress political opposition and gatherings, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

El-Rufai had recently accused the police of halting a scheduled ADC meeting in Kaduna, citing a violation of constitutional freedoms. Similar disruptions and attacks have also been reported in Katsina and elsewhere.

Source: Punch

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The statement also said that the recent actions of the former governor amounted to a direct threat to peace and development, and accused him of plotting to destabilise the state through “provocation, manipulation and incitement,” warning that it would not tolerate attempts to drag the state back into violence.

“This Government will not fold its arms and allow a discredited former leader, who left the state in ruins, to ignite chaos and plunge the state into another era of ethno-religious tension, insecurity, and economic stagnation,” the Commissioner said.

The government also accused El-Rufa’i of convening “an illegal and chaotic meeting” on his political associates, which degenerated into violence, including gunshots that endangered innocent citizens.

Read Also: SDP expels El-Rufai, bans him for 30 years

The Commissioner also noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had already dismissed the allegations made by El-Rufai, insisting that neither the Federal Government nor any agency under it had ever paid bandits.

The statement also listed achievements in education, healthcare and infrastructure, claiming that Kaduna now ranks 7th nationally in WAEC results, with millions of citizens integrated into the financial system and healthcare facilities upgraded across the 23 local government areas.

The commissioner warned El-Rufai to desist from acts that could threaten stability, stressing that security agencies had been placed on alert.

He urged residents not to fall for “the provocations of a failed leader trying to stay relevant by plunging the state into anarchy

Source: Channels

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai on his 65th birthday, describing him as an administrator, scholar, and politician known for his resourcefulness and brilliance.

This is contained in a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu acknowledged El-Rufai’s role as a founding member of the All Progressives Congress and his contributions to the party’s success in three consecutive elections.

Tinubu also commended the former minister’s endeavors for democracy, his meritorious service to the nation, and his mentorship of the younger generation.

El-Rufai, who served as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, was governor of Kaduna State for eight years.

The President wished him good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.

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At the commencement of the hearing of the case on Monday, counsel to the first respondent, the Kaduna State House of Assembly,  Sani Katu, ,SAN, informed the court that they are in the process of filing a notice of preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

The counsel, therefore, seeks an extension of time to enable them to file all their applications on the case filed against his client by the applicant, Nasir El-Rufai.

On his part, the Attorney General of Kaduna State and Commissioner of Justice,  Sule Shauibu corroborated the information of the applicant’s counsel to the effect that they have filed their processes, which are the preliminary objection and counter to the suit. He, therefore, conceded to the adjournment sought by the applicant’s counsel.

Counsel to the applicant, Sule Umoru, however, did not oppose the application for the extension of time by counsel to the first respondent.

After listening to all the submissions made by the counsels, the presiding judge,  Justice R.M Aikawa adjourned the case to July 17th,  2024, to enable the respondents to file all their applications including the substantive application.

El-Rufai had on June 26th filed a case at the Federal High Court, Kaduna to challenge the probe report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly which indicted him for corruption during his eight years of administration.

Among other claims, he asked the court to declare the Assembly report null and void for violating his right to a fair hearing as guaranteed under the Constitution,  since he was not invited by the house to defend himself against all the allegations levelled against him.

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