Scholar: El-Rufai is threat to national security
A university scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has described former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a national security threat, citing recent political developments and the former governor’s public disclosures. The
A university scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has described former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a national security threat, citing recent political developments and the former governor’s public disclosures.
The comment followed a reported confrontation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where security operatives allegedly attempted to detain El-Rufai upon his return from abroad before supporters intervened.
Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa expressed concern over El-Rufai’s televised claim that his associates intercepted and listened to a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
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In the interview referenced by the scholar, El-Rufai reportedly alleged that the intercepted call revealed directives to arrest him. He acknowledged that such interception was technically unlawful but justified it by alleging that similar tactics are used by government against critics.
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The academic argued that public admission of involvement in intercepting sensitive communications—particularly those linked to the nation’s top security official—could undermine confidence in security institutions and weaken national security safeguards.
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He warned that such actions risk diverting attention from pressing security challenges, including terrorism and banditry, while heightening political tension.
Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa called on authorities to institute a formal investigation into the alleged wire-tapping, describing it as potentially criminal and a violation of laws governing privacy, telecommunications and national security.
He added that public disclosure of unauthorised interception of high-level security communications could compromise institutional integrity and embolden threats against the state.
