A group, Secure Nation Group has commended the Senate for withholding the confirmation of the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai as Minister.
Recall that the Nigerian Senate had confirmed 45 nominees from President Bola Tinubu as Ministers while withholding the confirmation of three nominees which El-Rufai was among.
The group in a statement signed by five of its officials, Ahmed Lawal, Mabel Abraham, Mohammed Bashir, Kriss Allen, Godwin Emmanuel.
“It could be recalled that on July 31, 2023 , we as Nigerians expressed our dismay over the nomination of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state Nasir El-Rufai among the ministerial nomination list despite his crimes against the people of Nigeria.
“While protesting at the National Assembly, we made it clear that Nasir El-Rufai’s nomination is a disaster to this present administration and to Nigerians in general”, the group said in the statement.
The group said they find it unfortunate that after supporting this administration thinking that it will be different from the past administration, yet it appeared to be of no difference by naming El-Rufai who is supposed to be arrested immediately, investigated and prosecuted over killings under his watch as Governor and demolition of properties.
“It is on record that many Nigerians have demanded the investigation and prosecution of the ex-Governor at the International Criminal Court, ICC, if found culpable in the genocidal murder of many Nigerians as well as the destruction of properties in Kaduna state.
“In every democratic dispensation, all citizens must be free to follow their conscience in matters of religious faith, freedom of speech and association.
“Freedom of religion includes the right to worship alone or with others, in public or private, and to participate in religious observance, practice, and teaching without fear of persecution from government or other groups in society”, the statement noted.
The group alleged that the ex-governor has zero tolerance with no regard to the fundamental human rights of the people of Nigerians despite the cosmopolitan nature of the country.
“It’s quite unfortunate that Nasir El-Rufai, who freely expressed criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, became intolerant to criticism on ascending power.
“Kudos to the Nigerian Senate for taking the right step for withholding Nasir El-Rufai’s name for confirmation as a Minister at the moment”, the statement added.
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