El-Rufai Condemns Attack On Two Kaduna Senators, Orders Investigation

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor, has condemned the violent attack on two serving senators of the state, Senators Shehu Sani and Suleiman Hunkuyi.

The two senators were on Sunday afternoon attacked by suspected thugs during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna state.

A journalist, Lawal Mohammed, Liberty TV/Radio cameraman, was left bloodied, while others ran for their lives as the thugs believed to be working for Governor Nasir el-Rufa’I invaded the premises of the press briefing, THE WHISTLER learnt.

The governor, who claim not to have a hand in the ugly incident, further directed security agencies to investigate and “take necessary action against the hoodlums”.

“Having been briefed on the situation, the governor expressed sympathy with the NUJ and the persons that were harassed by the hoodlums,” El-Rufai said a statement signed by his spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, on Sunday.

“The governor directed that the security agencies should investigate and take necessary action against the hoodlums. The governor also directed security agencies to beef up security at the NUJ secretariat to protect journalists doing their duty.

“The media must not be hindered from carrying out their constitutional and professional obligations. The government of Kaduna State upholds the principles of free speech and respects the freedom of expression,” added Mr. Aruwan.

However, in the wake of the incident, Senator Sani accused the governor and his government of being behind the violence, as the press conference was planned to protest against manipulation of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Kaduna by Mr. El-Rufai

The senator, who is also of the APC, has been having a running battle with Governor El-Rufai for the soul of the party in Kaduna State.