The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure fairness, impartiality and transparency in the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.
The Council cautioned against allowing public institutions or the judicial process to be influenced or manipulated in pursuit of religious or sectarian interests.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the NSCIA said it had initially maintained silence on the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s prosecution because it believed the matter would be handled strictly in accordance with the law.
The Council, however, said recent developments had prompted concerns over possible external influences and what it described as an underlying religious dimension to the case.
According to the NSCIA, the integrity of the judicial process must be protected to ensure that justice is administered without bias or discrimination.
It called on the Federal Government and the Judiciary to guard against individuals or groups with vested religious interests who may seek to weaponise public institutions and the legal system to advance sectarian objectives.
The Council stressed that the prosecution of El-Rufai must be conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence in the country’s justice system.
“Justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done,” the NSCIA stated.
It also urged Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid comments or actions capable of prejudicing the former governor’s right to a fair trial or further heightening tensions in the country.
The NSCIA appealed for calm and prayed for lasting peace, national stability and improved security across Nigeria. Authority.
