‘My Husband Stood By Your Side, Is This What Our Family Deserves?’

Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai has told President Bola Tinubu that her husband, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, does not deserve the persecution he is facing.

Flanked by El-Rufai’s other wife Aichatou, Asiya spoke in Abuja Tuesday night after ICPC confirmed arrest of his personal physician, Prof Bello Abubakar, for allegedly faking a medical visit.

She said El-Rufai, diagnosed with high blood pressure and high blood sugar, is being denied access to his doctors, family and lawyers, leaving the family traumatised and in constant fear.

“Mr. President Sir, I campaigned for you. I stood up and went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?” she asked.

Asiya clarified they are not asking Tinubu to stop prosecution, but to ensure constitutional rights – access to medical care, family, lawyers and affordable bail. “If he is guilty, let the court decide; if he is innocent, let the court decide.”

She described the detention as psychological warfare, alleging orders from “above” that Prof Abubakar should not have access to anybody for 24 hours. “Who is the ‘above’?” she queried.

She also questioned a medical report purportedly from National Hospital Abuja, demanding investigation through the consultant whose name appeared on it.

According to her, El-Rufai cannot adequately prepare his defence in custody with limited access to lawyers, insisting the family only wants a fair trial, not presidential interference.

COURTESY: Northern Nigeria Hub