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A prominent lawyer and former Attorney-General of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Barr. Mark Jacob, has called on the public to disregard what he described as the “antics” of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, particularly concerning his recent public statements about his alleged involvement in the unlawful interception of the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Barr. Jacob described the development as disturbing, stressing that any open admission relating to interference with the communication facilities of a senior public officer, especially one occupying a critical national security position, should not be treated as mere political banter or personal dispute.
According to him, the ongoing public spat involving El-Rufai and Mr. Igababo has created unnecessary distraction. He likened the situation to “two individuals fighting while the headmaster looks on,” noting that such matters, particularly when they touch on national security, must be handled with seriousness and restraint.
He stated that if El-Rufai knowingly made statements admitting to actions that amount to a breach of security or a crime, then such admission should not be trivialized. “An open admission of committing a crime, especially to a senior public figure, is a serious matter,” he said, adding that accountability must follow where laws have been breached.
Barr. Jacob further argued that El-Rufai and Igababo have had a long-standing relationship and have both operated in the public space for years. He maintained that if there are grievances or alleged wrongdoing, the appropriate response should be through lawful channels rather than through media exchanges.
“If a case has been brought, then it should be faced accordingly,” he stated, emphasizing that public drama should not replace due process. He added that observers are waiting to see whether Mr. Igababo will pursue legal action or allow the matter to rest within institutional frameworks.
The former Attorney-General also referenced El-Rufai’s activities during his time in Kaduna State, describing them as numerous and often controversial, and that he is reaping what he has done to people and his karma has gone round circle. He noted that some of the former governor’s public statements have, in his view, been unfounded and capable of generating confusion.
He urged Nigerians not to lose focus on more pressing national concerns and that if individuals like El- Rufai are able to tap into communication facilities, only God knows how many they have done and how many they are going to do, especially now that the country is currently facing severe security challenges.
Barr. Jacob concluded by reiterating his call for restraint, responsibility, and adherence to the rule of law, urging the public to treat sensational exchanges with caution and to prioritize institutional accountability over political theatrics.
