The Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-rufai warns, while appealing to all Nigerians to embrace peaceful and lawful conduct, warning against self-help and mob action as he remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to reports, El-Rufai has made an appeal in a video released by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, mounting concerns over his detention and legal tussle with federal anti-corruption agencies.
El-Rufai Pre-EFCC Video: Acknowledges Possible Prolonged Detention Ahead
In the video, recorded before he honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the former governor acknowledged the possibility of prolonged detention.
“Hello fellow Nigerians. As I leave my home to honour the invitation of the EFCC, I am quite aware of the likelihood that I may be detained and it’s for an indeterminable length of time.
So I thought I should leave a few messages for you so that we continue to communicate,” he said.
He stressed that peaceful and lawful behaviour remains the cornerstone of any democratic society.
Citizens must prioritize dialogue over violence to uphold justice and national unity always.
In turbulent times, restraint fosters progress while aggression only breeds chaos and division.
Leaders urge calm resolutions through legal channels, avoiding escalatory actions that harm everyone involved.
Upholding these principles strengthens democracy, ensuring every voice is heard peacefully.
El-Rufai Urges Maturity, Wisdom, Rule of Law Nationwide
El-Rufai’s message calls for maturity, wisdom, and commitment to the rule of law nationwide.
“Today I want to speak to you about a very important foundation of democratic society which is peaceful and lawful conduct.
It is unacceptable for anyone to take the law into his or her own hands.
We should abide by the law,” he stated.
El-Rufai urged Nigerians to channel grievances through a well established institutions rather than resorting to violence.
“We should conduct ourselves peacefully and lawfully and when we have disputes, private disputes, we should take them to the courts.
Government to Intervene in Public Disputes
Public disputes, the government will intervene.
We also have the police and other law enforcement agencies to help arbitrate in the event of disputes,” he said.
Warning against mob justice, he added: “No one should take a machete to settle a quarrel.
There are law enforcement agencies that we can report to.
Yes, people may complain about the police, but it is the only police we have. So we should work to make it better.”
El-Rufai: Demand Security Accountability, Stay Law-Abiding
He further called on citizens to demand accountability from security agencies while remaining law-abiding.
Voice concerns through proper channels, avoiding actions that undermine peace and order.
Security forces must operate transparently, respecting rights and upholding justice for all Nigerians equally.
Citizens’ vigilance ensures agencies serve the public good without fear or favouritism.
By staying lawful, demands gain legitimacy and power to drive real change forward.
Collective responsibility builds a safer, fairer society where accountability thrives alongside stability always.
“We should challenge the police to be better.
We should challenge other law enforcement agencies to abide by the law and their rules of conduct and regulations,” he said.
El-Rufai: Minor Violations Fuel National Indiscipline Culture
The former governor noted that even seemingly minor violations contribute to a broader culture of indiscipline.
Small lapses erode societal norms, fostering chaos over time if unchecked.
From traffic infractions to petty disputes, each breach normalizes disregard for rules and authority.
Collective discipline starts with personal accountability in everyday actions and decisions.
Addressing these roots promotes order, respect, and progress for Nigeria’s future generations.
“Peaceful conduct is the foundation of every democracy and if we want to sustain this democracy, which will lead to the progress of our country, we must restrain ourselves from any kind of unlawful conduct, however minor.
Whether it is driving on the wrong side of the road or beating traffic lights, these all amount to unlawful conduct and should be discouraged,” he stated.
El-Rufai’s Final Appeal: Strictly Observe Rule of Law
He concluded with an appeal for strict observance of the rule of law.
The former governor said: “So I want to appeal to all Nigerians to bear this in mind every single day, every single hour and every single second to continue to observe the law and engage in peaceful conduct at all times.”
Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until April 23, 2026, for proper arraignment.
This step ensures all parties prepare adequately for the next court session.
Defendants and prosecution must file necessary documents, serving copies on opposing sides promptly.
The court emphasises fairness, due process, and adherence to legal timelines strictly.
Adjournment allows thorough review, preventing procedural errors that could delay justice further.
Parties are directed to appear ready, upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
