The Presidency has demanded a thorough probe into comments made by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai concerning the alleged wiretapping of the National Security Adviser’s phone line.
El-Rufai had alleged that he and some others listen to the telephone conversations of Mr Ribadu after an individual tapped the NSA’s phone.
He defended the legality of the phone interception, acknowledging that it is technically illegal but claiming, “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, Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesperson, raised concerns about the implications of the claim for national security.
“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 added that the issue 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 stated.
