El-Rufai summoned by SSS over provocative statement

The State Security Service has invited the Deputy National Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Malam Nasir El-rufai, to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday over a statement attributed to him in the Thursday edition of ThisDay newspapers.

The former FCT Minister was said to have been invited to clarify the statement, where he was quoted to have said, “The next election is likely to be violent and many people are likely going to die. And the only alternative left to get power is to take it by force, this is the reality on the ground.”

El-Rufai had warned that the 2015 general elections would be marred by riots and other forms of violence that might lead to loss of lives and property except the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies were ready to hold free and fair elections.

He accused INEC of incompetence, arguing that if it was not able to organise credible elections in Anambra and Delta states, it would be almost impossible to expect free and fair elections from the umpire in 2015.

He said he had no confidence in the Attahiru Jega-led electoral commission and security agencies to organise impartial elections in 2015, predicting a disastrous outcome if those involved did not get their acts together early enough.

The SSS, which is uncomfortable with El-Rufai’s comments, was said to have summoned him and also issued a statement warning politicians against making provocative and disruptive comments.

The Media Adviser to the APC stalwart, Muyiwa Adekeye, who confirmed the invitation through a text message, however said his principal would not honour it.


Source: Punch

The State Security Service released the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, in the early hours of Tuesday after quizzing the ex-minister for about 15 hours.

El-Rufai, who reported to the SSS Abuja office at about 9.30am on Monday, was released some minutes after midnight.

The bail conditions of the All Progressives Congress chief was not known as of the time of filing this report.

The former minister was summoned by the SSS for what the security agency described as provocative and inciting comments.

El-Rufai was reported to have said there would be violence if the 2015 elections are not free and fair.