17:29 Nasir El-Rufai Fights Political Persecution in Nigeria

26 Mar 2009 17:29 Africa/Lagos

Nasir El-Rufai Fights Political Persecution in Nigeria

International legal expert Robert Amsterdam joins Nigerian defense team to challenge accusations against el-Rufai

LONDON, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Nasir El-Rufai, a popular Nigerian reformer who has faced nearly two years of investigations from trumped-up, politically-motivated charges has announced the retention of the well-known international lawyer Robert Amsterdam, of Amsterdam & Peroff. Mr. Amsterdam has a broad mandate to mount a vigorous legal defense of El-Rufai's reputation, person and property both in Nigeria and abroad.


Mr. A. U. Mustapha, prominent Nigerian counsel for El-Rufai, stated that, "the increasingly libelous accusations against former Minister El-Rufai and the ferocity of the campaign against him which violate Nigeria's commitments under international law prompted us to look for jurisdictions outside of Nigeria for additional arena for redress."


While serving in government, El-Rufai was recognized as an integral member of a team of bold and innovative reformers who brought real progress, transparency and accountability to Nigeria. During his tenure as Minister of the FCT, El-Rufai's administration was recognized globally as a model of transparency and efficiency, implementing policies and recruiting personnel that enhanced the viability of the federal capital as part of a wider reform agenda.


"The accusations against El-Rufai are politically motivated and intended to destroy the reputation of a Nigerian reformer and a results-oriented technocrat, and hence destroy the very notion of reform," said Amsterdam. "Nigerians deserve better than this." He continued, "These baseless accusations are of grave concern to the international community, particularly those concerned with human rights, democracy and good governance in Africa."


The Bureau of Public Enterprises which El-Rufai headed between 1999 and 2003 provided the then newly-created Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) temporary offices, initial staff and other resources to begin its successful anti-corruption campaign in 2003. The tenacity and effectiveness of the EFCC has prompted political reprisals against El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu, who were seen as the driving force behind the Commission's successful prosecutions. Both El-Rufai and Ribadu are now outside of Nigeria for their own safety.


Robert Amsterdam is the founding partner of the Toronto- and London, U.K.-based law firm Amsterdam & Peroff. More information on this case can be found at www.robertamsterdam.com.


Source: Amsterdam & Peroff

CONTACT: James Kimerm, +1-917-355-0717, James.kimer@ksocialmedia.com


Web Site: http://www.robertamsterdam.com/

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