By Precious Mark
Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has warned the Tinubu led administration to stop weaponizing state apparatuses to settle deep-seated political scores against opposition figures.
Kwankwaso gave the warning on Thursday in a statement.
Citing recent allegations made by his running after and NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the prolonged, controversial detention of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Kwankwaso criticized the presidency’s alleged hostile reaction to Obi’s cries for help, describing the state’s recourse to personal insults as a sign of democratic immaturity.
“In his interview, Mr. Obi voiced serious worries about his personal safety and the adverse impact his role as an opposition leader has had on his businesses. Even more troubling was the Federal Government’s response, which resorted to personal insults and derogatory language instead of the restraint and maturity expected of a democratic administration. Like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all of us deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns,” Kwankwaso is quoted as saying.
On the prosecution of El-Rufai, Kwankwaso described the public anguish of El-Rufai’s wives over his prolonged, strict detention conditions as highly distressing to watch.
He maintained that regardless of party divides, the rule of law must prevail over political vendettas, demanding that the former governor be granted due process, reasonable bail conditions, and an expedited trial.
“The continued delay in granting him bail through what many perceive as stringent and unreasonable conditions is deeply concerning. As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded.”
“I therefore join well-meaning Nigerians in urging the Federal Government to handle these matters with transparency, accountability, and justice,” he appealed.
Kwankwaso reminded the ruling administration that democratic leadership requires absolute fairness, justice, and restraint, emphasizing that a government entrusted with protecting its citizens should never dismiss or mock credible cries for security.
The former Kano State governor concluded by warning that for Nigeria’s democracy to survive, every citizen, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political persuasion, must receive equal and equitable treatment under the eyes of the law.