The Presidency has called for an investigation into Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, over his claim that the phone line of Nigeria’s national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was wiretapped.
El-Rufai had alleged during an interview on Arise News on Friday that his associates intercepted communications linking Ribadu to a plan targeting him.
According to him “Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they’re the only ones that listen to calls. But we also have our ways. He made the call. He gave the order that they should arrest me,” El-Rufai had said.
Acknowledging the legality of such interceptions, the former governor added, “Because that technically is illegal. I know, but the government does it all the time. They listen to our calls all the time without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”
El-Rufai also accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of using the Department of State Services as a personal tool of Ribadu.
Responding shortly after the interview, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson expressed concern about the national security implications of the allegation.
“El-Rufai has confessed to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?” Onanuga asked.
He insisted that the matter should not be overlooked and emphasised the need for accountability.
“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” the presidential spokesperson said.
