By Abubakar Yunusa
ABUJA — Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has asked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to clarify reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser imported about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic substance.
In a letter dated and titled, ‘Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate’, El-Rufai said he was seeking answers in the interest of public safety and democratic accountability.
He stated that information available to opposition leaders indicated that the substance was reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.
Thallium salts are globally recognised as tightly controlled toxic compounds.
El-Rufai asked Ribadu to disclose the intended purpose and end-use of the chemical.
He also demanded details of the supplier, the total quantity and specific concentration procured, as well as whether the importation was backed by an existing chemical or defence permit.
The former governor further queried the storage and security arrangements for the substance upon arrival.
He sought clarification on regulatory coordination with agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
He equally asked whether any public health risk assessments or hazard mitigation plans had been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.
El-Rufai stressed that his inquiry was made in good faith to ensure transparency and adherence to safety standards.
The letter comes days after the former governor alleged during an interview on ARISE Television that Ribadu masterminded an attempt to have him arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
He claimed that a source informed him that Ribadu’s telephone conversation was intercepted, alleging that the government was not the only one capable of monitoring calls.
El-Rufai, who has repeatedly accused the current administration of witch-hunt, has vowed to honour an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday over issues reportedly raised while he was abroad.
As at the time of filing this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser had yet to issue an official response.
