Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the Kaduna North Federal Constituency and the son of the former governor of Kaduna, has denounced the alleged attack on NDC supporters in Asaba, Delta State, during a political procession.
One person was reportedly killed, and five people were injured in the event, which happened on Saturday, November 7.
El-Rufai, the chairman of the House Committee on Banking Regulations, called the incident extremely alarming and emphasised that political disagreements should never be used as an excuse for violence, intimidation, or property destruction.
In a statement issued on Monday, the lawmaker said, “Political differences must never become a justification for violence, intimidation or the destruction of property.”
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He stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of political opinions, has the constitutional right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
“Our democracy must be big enough to accommodate different political opinions and aspirations. No Nigerian should have to fear for their safety simply because of their political convictions,” he said.
The lawmaker urged the Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice.
He also called on political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and reject every form of political thuggery.
Bello El-Rufai urged Nigerians to collectively reject political violence and create an environment where political parties compete through ideas, policies and service to the people rather than intimidation.
He added, “No political ambition is worth the life of a Nigerian. Our democracy must be protected, and political freedom must be guaranteed for all.”
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit filed by Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State.
The Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were named as respondents in the lawsuit.
El-Rufai, the FCT’s minister under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and governor from 2015 to 2023, accused the respondents of violating his rights.
