08/07/2026
EL-RUFAI'S ORDEAL DEMANDS FAIRNESS, NOT SILENCE. WHERE ARE THE NORTHERN VOICES?
The emotional appeal by the wives of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, should not be dismissed as merely a family's plea. It raises a deeper question about justice, loyalty, and the silence of many northern political leaders and stakeholders.
Whether one agrees with El-Rufai's politics or not, every Nigerian deserves the constitutional rights of a fair trial, reasonable bail where applicable, access to lawyers, family members, and proper medical care. These are not privileges reserved for the powerful—they are rights guaranteed by law.
What makes this situation even more striking is the reminder from his wives that they actively campaigned for the current administration. They invested their time, energy, and political capital in helping to bring this government to power. Their appeal is not for immunity from prosecution but for fairness and humane treatment. That distinction is important.
The silence from many influential northern voices has been deafening. Throughout Nigeria's political history, regional leaders have often spoken out whenever they believed one of their own was being treated unfairly, regardless of political differences. Today, that same courage appears to be in short supply.
Speaking up for fairness should never be mistaken for defending corruption. If El-Rufai has questions to answer before the courts, then due process should take its full course. But due process must also protect the rights of the accused. Justice loses credibility when it appears selective or excessively punitive before a verdict is reached.
Northern elders, traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society organisations, and respected opinion leaders should not remain silent simply because the political climate is uncomfortable. Their voices should be heard—not to obstruct justice, but to insist that justice is carried out fairly, transparently, and without prejudice.
Today it is El-Rufai. Tomorrow it could be someone else. The standards we defend today will become the standards that protect everyone tomorrow.
Nigeria's democracy is strengthened not when political opponents suffer in silence, but when citizens insist that the rule of law applies equally to both allies and adversaries. Silence in moments like this can easily be interpreted as indifference, and indifference has never been the foundation of justice.
The call from El-Rufai's family deserves to be heard. More importantly, it deserves a response rooted in law, fairness, and humanity, not politics.
What is your opinion on this? Comment 👇🏻
Muryoyi
