The Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, has cautioned that recent remarks by former Nasir El-Rufai could position him as a “potential, if not active threat” to Nigeria’s national security.
During an appearance on ARISE Television Morning Show on Tuesday, Ikechukwu argued that El-Rufai’s statements were neither casual nor speculative. According to him, the former governor made direct and detailed claims, particularly alleging that the communication channels of the Office of the National Security Adviser had been compromised through surveillance or interception.
Ikechukwu stressed that such assertions carry serious consequences, whether they were made deliberately or otherwise. He noted that El-Rufai did not speak hypothetically but presented his claims as factual, insisting that the NSA’s communication lines had been tapped. The former governor, Ikechukwu added, further emphasized that the technical capacity to carry out such surveillance is not limited to government actors alone.
He underscored that invading the privacy of any public office holder is unlawful, especially when it involves access to classified or confidential information. Beyond constituting a breach of privacy, he said, tampering with sensitive communication infrastructure amounts to interference with national security systems. In his view, this elevates the matter from mere political rhetoric to a serious security concern.
Ikechukwu maintained that El-Rufai’s public comments place an obligation on the state to thoroughly investigate the claims. Authorities, he said, must determine what information may have been accessed, the duration of any alleged breach, and the broader implications for national safety.
Addressing suggestions that the former governor might be facing political persecution, Ikechukwu dismissed the argument as secondary to the core issue. He insisted that no individual is above the law and that the central question remains whether the allegations are true. Investigative bodies, he said, are duty-bound to respond appropriately and, where necessary, seek judicial clarification.
On whether such security lapses could have been prevented, Ikechukwu acknowledged that measures like multi-layer authentication and restricted access protocols can reduce risks. However, he cautioned that in today’s technological landscape, absolute protection is impossible. Even advanced systems, he noted, are not immune to vulnerabilities.
He referenced international precedents, including incidents in the United States where classified information was unintentionally exposed, to illustrate that cybersecurity challenges are global rather than unique to Nigeria.
Commenting on protests linked to El-Rufai’s arrest, Ikechukwu observed that public demonstrations must be carefully distinguished from politically orchestrated campaigns. He argued that while public sentiment is important, legal matters should not be overshadowed by protests or emotional reactions. Determining the truth of the allegations, he emphasized, requires proper investigation in line with established legal procedures.
While acknowledging that political persecution can occur in certain contexts, Ikechukwu maintained that such claims do not automatically absolve individuals from accountability. He argued that for any security agency to summon an individual, there must be a basis for doing so, even if political undertones are suspected.
Shifting to broader political developments, Ikechukwu also weighed in on the leadership style of Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who has faced criticism during periods of political tension. Contrary to perceptions of weakness, Ikechukwu described Fubara’s approach as strategic and measured.
He said the governor demonstrated prudence and resilience, arguing that patience can be a powerful political tool. According to Ikechukwu, Fubara’s calculated decisions ultimately enabled him to regain influence and steer governance in a direction he believes benefits the people of Rivers State.
In his concluding remarks, Ikechukwu suggested that effective governance should prioritize public interest over personal or factional agendas, emphasizing that political leadership must remain focused on serving citizens rather than private ambitions.