I’ve received threats from those plotting to force me into exile — El-Rufai cries out

SAHARA REPORTERS

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said he has received multiple threats from several quarters, aimed at forcing him into “self-imposed exile” but he remains undeterred.

The former governor vowed to return to Nigeria on 20th February.

El-Rufai, in an X post while responding to a political analyst, Imran U. Wakili, dismissed claims of his imminent arrest, detention, or torture, calling them persistent rumours since July 2024, when the Kaduna House of Assembly’s report began circulating.

“They freaked out when we challenged the legality of the premeditated defamation and went to every length to compromise the judicial process, and this is continuing at the Court of Appeal,” he said.

He accused certain individuals of using intimidation tactics through his friends, family, and associates to force him into exile. “I will not,” he declared.

El-Rufai said, “Dear Imran @IU_Wakilii Your post below refers. I have been hearing these same rumours of arrest, detention and torture in some dungeon in the NSA’s office (where Emefiele was allegedly tortured to resign as CBN governor), since July 2024 when the so-called report of the Kaduna Assembly began circulating.

“They freaked out when we challenged the legality of the premeditated defamation, and went to every length to compromise the judicial process, and this is continuing at the Court of Appeal. They have sent such similar messages of intimidation and threats through many of my friends, family and political associates because they want me to go on self-imposed exile. I will not.

“I have now put all my previous academic and language-learning plans on hold and will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before. Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option. The arrest, detention and torture of perceived political enemies are nothing new in human affairs. I have been arrested and detained thrice in the past for expressing my views of previous governments.

“There is always a morning after the arrest or detention or torture, and political life continues. As for death, it when Allah destines it, and it is ultimate the date of every human. For the attention of the pathetic characters that don’t sleep well whenever I am in Nigeria, take notice that I intend to return in time for the launch of Pres IBB’s memoirs, in sha Allah, scheduled for 20th February.

“We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst. Thanks @IU_Wakilii for your concern, but, remember that what will be, will always be.” 
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS