The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure fairness in the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, warning against any attempt to allow public institutions or the legal system to be used to pursue sectarian interests.
The Council, in a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for and on behalf of NSCIA, said it had deliberately refrained from commenting on the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s prosecution, having initially regarded the matter as a normal judicial process capable of being fairly handled by the Judiciary.
However, the NSCIA said recent developments in the public domain had raised concerns about what it described as possible extraneous influences and an underlying religious bias against the former governor.
The Council therefore urged the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure that individuals with vested religious interests are prevented from weaponising public institutions or the legal system to advance a sectarian agenda.
“Justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done,” the Council said, stressing the need for fairness and impartiality in the handling of the matter.
The NSCIA also appealed to members of the public to avoid making incendiary comments capable of prejudicing El-Rufai’s right to a fair trial or worsening the country’s security situation.
The Council prayed for peace, stability and security across Nigeria.