Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC) Timi Frank, has raised alarm of allege plot to kill former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State. Comrade Timi Frank, in the status of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, ULMWP, Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East; and Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association, GFCA, USA, in a statement on Sunday, alleged that there are covert plans within sections of Nigeria’s security establishment to eliminate former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. He further demanded the immediate release of a businessman, Tunde Ayeni. Timi Frank, a former Personal Assistant, P.A., to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleged that he received information from a “reliable source within the security agencies” of plot by some officials in government against El-Rufai. According to him, “I received a troubling call from a reliable source within the security agencies alleging that there are plots to eliminate Nasir El-Rufai — a strategic plan allegedly orchestrated by top appointees within the government and the presidency. “According to the information, he may be administered a harmful substance and, thereafter, released so that any eventual death would not occur in custody.” It will be recalled that El-Rufai had previously raised an alarm accusing the NSA and security chiefs of allegedly importing harmful substances for purported use on detainees. Frank declared: “This alleged plan must be stopped immediately. I must clearly state that if anything happens to El-Rufai, even after his release from detention, the government, top appointees involved, and any judge who may have collaborated in the process should be held responsible.” ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East; and Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association, GFCA, USA, furhter protested that “There are also allegations that some judges have agreed to participate in the illegal detention of these individuals by ensuring they are either denied bail or subjected to excessively stringent bail conditions.” Frank condemned the 'political war' against El-Rufai. According to him, “They understand El-Rufai’s political relevance, influence, and what he knows, especially, considering that he was part of the political structure that worked toward the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election.” Protesting perceived selective anti-corruption war, Frank asserted: “I must state that I support the fight against corruption, but it must be fair, balanced, and free from political witch-hunts. “El-Rufai’s case is widely perceived as a witch-hunt, as he has remained incarcerated for over four months for allegations that are ordinarily bailable offences. "Meanwhile, in other cases involving politically exposed persons, suspects reportedly walk in and out of the EFCC as a mere formality. “Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who was accused of massive financial misconduct, allegedly running into trillions, is presently contesting elections freely for the position of Senator after aligning with the ruling party. “Is El-Rufai the only former governor in Nigeria? “What happened to the cases involving former governors, such as Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Yahaya Bello, and Samuel Ortom, all of whom at different times faced allegations concerning public funds, yet, continue to move freely, with some even receiving appointments?” Frank accused anti-corruption agencies of engaging in “selective prosecution and political intimidation.” According to him, “For instance, Tunde Ayeni has been discharged by the courts in previous cases brought against him by the EFCC. There are concerns that he is being targeted because of perceived political affiliations and sympathy for the opposition." Timi Frank argued: “Tunde Ayeni is a businessman, not a politician. His experience appears to many as a witch-hunt designed to weaken him because of his perceived support for the opposition. “Friends and business associates who have suddenly become close to government officials are behind his incarceration, which has now lasted for about 30 days.” He admonished the judiciary, saying: “Our judiciary must not allow itself to be used as an instrument of intimidation against those who hold differing political opinions." Frank maintained: “If this pattern continues, it could further deepen public distrust, tension, and perceptions of dictatorship and illegality within the system. "Our anti-graft agencies, such as the ICPC and EFCC, must avoid actions capable of setting the country on edge.” Frank pointed out that “There are also growing concerns among Nigerians regarding election integrity." According to him, "Many citizens fear the possible misuse of state institutions, intimidation of opposition voices, suppression of dissent, politically motivated prosecutions, voter suppression tactics, and lack of transparency in the electoral process. “Election credibility is essential not only for democracy but also for national stability and conflict prevention. When citizens lose faith in democratic processes, instability, extremism, and social unrest often increase.” He remarked that “It has become a recurring pattern in parts of Africa that, during elections, opposition figures are harassed, intimidated, or unlawfully targeted. "Many Nigerians now fear that similar strategies are being deployed against opposition voices in Nigeria." The United Liberation Movement for West Papua, ULMWP, Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, resorted to seek international intervention, he declared: “It is for this reason that I call on the United States government, the international community, and global human rights organizations to pay close attention and intervene where necessary to protect Nigerians from intimidation, harassment, and abuse of state power.” Timi Frank, accordingly, declared: “Let me also put on record that I am aware that certain persons within government and security agencies have allegedly been involved in acts of harassment, intimidation, and suppression against opposition figures and ordinary Nigerians. "Their names will be forwarded to relevant international authorities, including the United States government, as soon as practicable. “As part of the broader international response, I call for targeted sanctions against any officials found to be involved in abuses directed at opposition figures or the suppression of democratic freedoms. Such measures may include visa restrictions, asset freezes, and financial sanctions”.
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Galaxy TV
Editorial Desk
Reporting for Galaxy TV from Lagos and Abuja, covering local news and national affairs across Nigeria and West Africa.


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