Prof. Okey Ikechukwu warns El-Rufai NSA claims risk national security and could be one of his biggest political mistakes
Political analyst Prof. Okey Ikechukwu has described statements by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as one of the most serious political errors of his career, citing potential national security risks.
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Ikechukwu said El-Rufai’s claims were precise and not speculative, particularly his assertion that the communication lines of the Office of the National Security Adviser were tapped.
The former governor went further to suggest that entities beyond the government could carry out such actions.
“Well, the statements of Nasir El-Rufai are not gestural or, if you like, he wasn’t guessing. He made very specific statements declaring that the communication lines of the NSA are tapped. He declared even more convincing, in case you’re doubting him, that it’s not only the government that has the capacity to do that,” Ikechukwu stated.
The analyst warned that violating the privacy of public office holders, especially regarding sensitive information, amounts to a breach of privacy and encroaches upon national security infrastructure.
He emphasised that the remarks have wider implications for Nigeria and neighbouring countries grappling with terrorism.
“I may be mistaken, but this seems to me to be one of El-Rufai’s biggest political mistakes in his career as a public officer. It’s a matter of national security. Remember there are four countries under pressure from Boko Haram and other terrorists Nigeria, Benin, Niger, and Chad. Those countries will be interested in his statement,” Ikechukwu added.
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He described the former governor’s comments as a “frightening statement” intended to gain political mileage but cautioned that the consequences could exceed any anticipated benefit.
