El-Rufai’s NSA phone-tapping statement ‘one of his biggest political mistakes
El-Rufai’s NSA wiretapping statement ‘one of his biggest political mistakes’ –
Political analyst Okey Ikechukwu has faulted recent remarks by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing them as one of the gravest political missteps of his career.
Ikechukwu, speaking Tuesday on The Morning Show on Arise News Channel, said El-Rufai’s comments were not speculative but framed as categorical assertions, particularly his claim that the communication lines of the National Security Adviser were tapped in his favour.
“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 is, if you like, tapped,” Ikechukwu said.
“He declared even more convincingly, in case you’re doubting him, that it’s not only the government that has the capacity to do that,” he added.
The analyst argued that any breach of the communication infrastructure of a public office holder—especially one occupying a sensitive national security position—raises profound legal and security concerns.
“You have no right to violate anybody’s privacy if somebody is holding a public office, and violating the privacy of confidential information or information access to that office is also a violation of privacy. On top of that, it is an encroachment on the infrastructure of national security,” he said.
Ikechukwu warned that the implications of such a claim go beyond domestic politics, noting that the issue intersects directly with Nigeria’s security architecture.
“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,” he stated.
He further pointed out that the allegation could attract international attention, particularly from neighbouring countries grappling with insurgency.
“It’s a matter of national security. Remember there are four countries under pressure from Boko Haram and terrorists — Nigeria, Benin, Niger and Chad. Those countries will be interested in his statement,” he said.
Describing the situation as troubling, Ikechukwu suggested that while the remarks may have been intended to score political points, they may have triggered consequences beyond what was anticipated.
“So this is a frightening statement that has to be treated with every seriousness. It was intended to get political mileage. Well, he has got more mileage than they can handle. I don’t see anybody joking with this,” he added.
