The Presidency has demanded a full-scale investigation into comments made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding an alleged wire tapping of the National Security Adviser’s phone line.
El-Rufai had claimed during an interview on Arise Television that he and others listened to the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, after an individual allegedly intercepted the NSA’s phone.
While acknowledging that phone interception is technically illegal, El-Rufai defended the act, stating, “The government does it all the time. They listen to our calls without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”
Reacting shortly after the interview, the Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, described the claim as a serious national security concern.
“El-Rufai has confessed to wire tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?” Onanuga queried.
He stressed that the matter should not be treated lightly, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.
“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” the presidential spokesman stated.
The development has further heightened political tensions, as calls grow for clarity and possible legal action over the alleged breach of national security protocols.
