The Presidency has come down heavy on former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after his stunning claim that he had access to the private phone conversations of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Moments after El-Rufai’s Arise TV interview, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga went public, demanding a thorough investigation and warning that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law.
In a strongly anger-infested post on X, Onanuga wrote, “El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?.
“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law.”
The drama began when El-Rufai alleged that he and others had listened in on Ribadu’s phone conversations, claiming someone tapped the NSA’s line and fed him inside information.
“Nuhu made the call and made the order that I must be in custody yesterday. (I know) he made the call because we listen to their calls; the government thinks they’re the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways. He made the call; he gave the order. Someone tapped his phone and told me,” El-Rufai said, while recounting his experience with operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.
When the presenter pointed out that tapping the NSA’s phone was illegal, El-Rufai stood his ground.
“I know, but the government does it all the time, they listen to our calls all the time without court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”
Now, the Presidency says the confession cannot be ignored, and Nigerians are watching closely to see whether security agencies will swing into action.
