The presidency has demanded an extensive investigation into former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claims about an alleged wiretapping of the National Security Adviser’s phone line.
El-Rufai claimed that he and others listened to Mr Ribadu’s telephone chats 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 wiretapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wiretapping 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.