The presidency on Friday demanded full investigation into comments made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding the alleged wire-tapping of the National Security Adviser’s phone line.
El-Rufai had claimed that he and others had access to the telephone conversations of the NSA, Mr. Ribadu, following an incident in which the official’s phone was reportedly tapped.
Defending the action, he acknowledged the technical illegality of phone interceptions but argued that it was a common government practice. “The government does it all the time.
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They listen to our calls without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order,” El-Rufai said.
Responding shortly after the interview on Arise TV, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga expressed concern over the national security implications of El-Rufai’s remarks.
“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 issue must not be ignored, calling 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.
