While his opponents staged a protest demanding a thorough probe into the alleged N432 billion corruption case involving him, his supporters gathered at the junction leading to the commission, chanting slogans and holding placards with various inscriptions praising him.
The supporters, in a video circulating online, alleged that the EFCC had dispersed them with teargas while allegedly allowing anti-El-Rufai protesters to assemble nearby.
Those who protested against El-Rufai, under the aegis of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, converged on the anti-graft agency’s headquarters early in the morning, singing songs and carrying placards with various inscriptions vilifying him.
The group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, while addressing journalists at the scene, insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be trivialised or politicised.
Abdullahi said, “We reiterate its firm position that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains a lawful and constitutional matter strictly between him and the Government of Kaduna State. This issue should not be reduced to a mere political drama or emotional manipulation.
“It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust. The Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024) raised serious concerns regarding financial management, public debt profile, and contract procedures under the previous administration.”
He also cited Section 15(5) of the Constitution and urged the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to carry out a thorough, evidence-based and transparent investigation.
The protesters maintained that the issue was about lawful prosecution, not persecution, adding that El-Rufai should allow the judicial process to run its course in the interest of accountability and justice.
Responding, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, appealed for calm and assured the protesters that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission.
He said, “The EFCC recognises the right of Nigerians to lawful protest in respect of any issue they feel so concerned about. Your protest and demands will be communicated to the executive chairman accordingly.
“I want to assure you that the EFCC, as we know it, will do its job professionally by attending to all the issues that you raised in your letter. I also want to encourage you to continue to be peaceful in the exercise of your rights because that is what democracy is all about.”
Some of El-Rufai’s protesters however complained that while they were teargassed at the EFCC headquarters, with some of them sustaining injuries, those who were protesting against the former governor were allowed to carry out their protest and were even received by EFCC officials.
