Presidency Gives Fresh Order on El-Rufai

The Presidency of Nigeria has called for a full investigation into comments made by former Nasir El-Rufai regarding the alleged wire-tapping of the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) phone line.

El-Rufai had claimed that he and others listened to the NSA, Ribadu’s telephone conversations after an individual allegedly tapped the phone.

Defending the act, he acknowledged its illegality but insisted, “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 on Friday shortly after El-Rufai’s interview on Arise TV, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga expressed concerns over the national security implications of the allegation.

“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 asked.

He added that the matter should not be ignored, stressing the need for accountability.

“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” the presidential spokesperson said.