Dare Babalola
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a warning to the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, cautioning them against the abuse of citizens‘ rights.
MURIC made this declaration on Friday while reacting to the failed attempt by the DSS to arrest a former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday.
Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, stated that the incident on Thursday was a violation of El-Rufai’s constitutional right to self-dignity and freedom of movement, emphasising that these rights are guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution.
“What happened at the airport yesterday was a violation of El-Rufai’s right to self-dignity as guaranteed in Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). It was an undisguised and unconstitutional attempt at public humiliation. It was most uncivilized, inhuman and degrading.
”MURIC strongly denounces the manner the operation was conducted. It was rowdy, disorderly and melodramatic. The airport scene lacked decorum. It was crude and blown out of proportion.
”It must be mentioned that Section 41 of the same Constitution guarantees freedom of movement in and out of the country and also within for every Nigerian citizen. The last time we checked, El-Rufai was still a Nigerian citizen,” the statement said.
The development comes amid growing political tension following El-Rufai’s recent association with the African Democratic Congress and public criticism of federal authorities.
El-Rufai has, in recent weeks, raised concerns about possible moves by security agencies against him, following his public criticisms of the Federal Government and his growing engagement with opposition politics.
Reports emerged on Thursday that security operatives attempted to stop him at the airport shortly after his return to Nigeria.
His aides claimed the operatives did not present a warrant, leading to a confrontation before he was eventually allowed to leave the terminal.
