- Safiu Kehinde
The Coalition for Southern Kaduna Renaissance has backed the call for security agencies probe of former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his alleged involvement in the wiretapping of the National Security Adviser’s, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, phone lines.
NPO Reported that the Department of State Services (DSS) had dragged El-Rufai to court over his admittance of tapping into Ribadu’s phone conversation.
The ex-Kaduna governor made this known during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programmme earlier this month.
This had since led to intensified calls for his probe.
Joining the call, Gideon Mutum, who spoke to newsmen in Kafanchan on behalf of Southern Kaduna coalition on Friday, Gideon Mutum, demanded the prosecution of El-Rufai if any wrongdoing was established against him.
Mutum said that intercepting the communications of the NSA constituted a threat to national security, hence, the need to thoroughly investigate the matter.
He described the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) as a critical institution in coordinating intelligence, strategy, and response.
According to him, any action, statement, or involvement that suggests interference with high-level security communications is not a trivial matter, but one of national survival.
“If sensitive security communications are compromised, the consequences are severe.
“Intelligence leaks can embolden criminal networks, undermine counter-terrorism operations, and endanger the lives of citizens and security personnel alike.
“Therefore, any allegation or admission relating to such matters must be thoroughly investigated without fear or favour,” he said.
Mutum distanced the coalition from a pro-El-Rufai rally held on Tuesday by a group in Southern Kaduna claiming solidarity with the former governor.
“Solidarity must be rooted in truth, justice, and the collective interest of our people, not personal loyalty or political alignment.
“It is, therefore, troubling when any son or daughter of Southern Kaduna attempts to express solidarity with an individual whose tenure coincided with persistent violence, loss of lives and property in the zone,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Christopher Yerima, Chairman, College of Education Academic Staff Union, Kaduna State Chapter, cautioned against narratives that might portray lawful investigation as persecution or a witch hunt,
According to Yerima, accountability strengthens democracy.
Mr Isaac Joseph, former National Youth Leader of the Southern Kaduna People, said that no individual is above the law, regardless of status, former office, or political affiliation.
Joseph said that justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done.
The coalition for Southern Kaduna Renaissance, comprising civil society organisations, women, students and faith groups, among others, is a movement committed to justice, security and dignity of its people.