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Peter Obi moved by El-Rufai’s wife’s plea to Tinubu

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Peter Obi expressed deep concern over the treatment of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai's family, urging transparent and fair justice.
  • He warned against selective justice, stating it undermines public confidence and national unity.
  • El-Rufai's wife had appealed to President Tinubu for fair treatment, citing trauma and alleged denial of medical access for her husband.

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced his concern over the legal challenges faced by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his family, calling for transparent and fair judicial processes. Obi stated he was "deeply moved" by an emotional appeal from Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, one of El-Rufai's wives, urging President Bola Tinubu to ensure justice is administered without bias.

I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future.

— Peter ObiObi shared his reaction to the appeal made by El-Rufai's wife, connecting it to broader reflections on Nigeria's future.

Obi, who watched a viral video of Asiya El-Rufai's appeal while in the United States, emphasized that all citizens, regardless of allegations against them, deserve equitable treatment under the law. He warned that selective justice could erode public trust in democratic institutions and threaten national unity. "We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity," Obi stated, urging law enforcement to uphold professionalism and due process.

Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial.

— Peter ObiObi stressed the principle of fair and transparent justice for all individuals, irrespective of the charges they face.

Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, speaking alongside El-Rufai's other wife, Aichatou, at their Abuja residence, appealed directly to President Tinubu. She recounted the trauma her family has endured, despite their support for Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign. She also alleged that her husband, who has reportedly been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high blood sugar, has been denied adequate medical treatment. The family's plea highlights their distress and their appeal for presidential intervention in El-Rufai's ongoing legal battles, which include allegations of corruption, cybercrime, and national security matters.

We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process.

— Peter ObiThe presidential candidate warned against discriminatory legal practices and called for adherence to due process by law enforcement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.