The Center for Community Development and Civic Enlightenment condemns in the strongest term the alleged violation of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai’s fundamental human rights over the refusal of the authorities to allow him access to medical care.
Despite concerns over El Rufai’s deteriorating health, the alleged denial of prompt and adequate medical attention calls for serious concern.
CCDCE contends that if the rights of a former governor and former minister of the Federal Capital Territory could be so brazenly denied, what then becomes the fate of the common man and the downtrodden. Where then do we place the maxim which states that: the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man?
As a civil society organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights, constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, CCDCE is highly disturbed by reports indicating that Mallam El-Rufai continues to remain in detention despite his status as a former governor and an erstwhile minister of the federal Republic, which should have earned him bail on self recognition.
If these reports are accurate, they raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns and call for urgent intervention by relevant authorities.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, fair hearing, and access to necessary medical care while in custody. These rights are further protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international legal instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
As much as the CCDCE agrees that El Rufai is not above the law of the land, we equally insist that no Nigerian should be subjected to arbitrary detention, selective justice, political intimidation, or treatment that undermines his or her constitutional rights.
El Rufai’s prosecution for corruption by the ICPC and his alleged unlawful wiretapping of the person of the National Security Adviser, are a breach of national security and should be duly prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS). This should follow due procedures and should never become a pretext for violating his fundamental human rights.
CCDCE therefore calls for strict compliance with all constitutional safeguards and the rule of law relating to arrest, detention, bail, fair hearing, and due process in handling the cases of the former governor.
The CCDCE demands a fairer bail condition for El Rufai in order for him to have unrestricted access to his family as well as adequate and timely medical care, even as his trials continue unabated. This is the only way the government can absolve itself of allegations of political vendetta already making the rounds in many quarters.
Signed
Comrade Sikiru Balogun
Publicity Secretary
CCDCE
