Former Southeast spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Denge Josef Onoh, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing legal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
In an open letter formally submitted through the Office of the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Onoh appealed for reconciliation and urged the President to consider El-Rufai’s past contributions to the APC and the 2023 presidential election.
Onoh, who also chairs the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, highlighted El-Rufai’s role in mobilising support for Tinubu’s campaign. He further pointed to the former governor’s record as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and as Kaduna State governor, arguing that these service contributions should weigh alongside the current legal matter.
The letter specifically referenced Sections 174 and 175 of the 1999 Constitution. Section 175 empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy, including the granting of pardons, while Section 174 gives the Attorney-General of the Federation authority over the initiation, continuation or discontinuation of criminal proceedings.
Onoh contended that the judicious use of these constitutional powers could foster national reconciliation and political stability. He drew a historical parallel to former President Shehu Shagari’s 1982 pardon of the late Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, presenting it as evidence of how presidential clemency has previously helped heal political divisions.
Citing his longstanding personal relationship with El-Rufai, Onoh stressed that political differences should not close the door to dialogue or humanitarian considerations. He expressed hope that President Tinubu would give the appeal serious attention in the broader interest of national unity and stability.
