Former governor of Kaduna State, Mr Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has asked the National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, to clarify reports that the NSAโs office imported โthallium sulphateโ, a very dangerous toxin from Poland.
This is coming on the heels of development after reactions trailed El-Rufaiโs comment of tapping Ribaduโs telephone.
El-Rufai said that he wrote as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland.
In the letter titled; โRequest for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphateโ, El-Rufai stressed that given that โthallium saltsโ are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, he believes that it is important for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust, thus urged Ribadu to confirm the details of some questions raised.
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The letter by El-Rufai further states; โDear National Security Adviser. I hope this message finds you well.โ
โ1. The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate.
โ2. The supplier identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit.
โ3. The total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured.
โ4. The storage and security arrangements for the maserial upon arrival
โ5. The regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies.
โ6. Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compoundโs extreme toxicity,โ the former Governor of Kaduna State said.
El-Rufai stressed that his inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed.
He also said it is to ensure that public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.
While speaking on Arise Television News programme, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of masterminding his attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja last week Thursday.
El-Rufai alleged that the call was made available to him after Ribaduโs phone was tapped by a source he refused to name, saying; โThe government believes it is the only one that listens to calls, but we also have our ways. The government listens to our calls all the time without a court order. Someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the orderโ.
