The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Prof. Yusuf has, in recent times, emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the current administration, fearlessly exposing the failings of its policies and calling for good governance, transparency, and accountability.
In its reaction to his arrest, the CNG national coordinator, Com. Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi said that his arrest, therefore, is not only a blatant act of political persecution but also an apparent attempt to intimidate the opposition and suppress free speech.
“While the CNG recognises that the EFCC or any agency has the mandate to invite or arrest any person suspected of wrongdoing, it rejects politically orchestrated silencing of people critical to the government, whereas many corrupt people are being shielded and pampered by the same government.
“The CNG finds it deeply troubling that an administration that once thrived on opposition politics and enjoyed the freedom to criticise previous governments is now resorting to draconian measures to stifle democratic engagement. Such acts of political suppression set a dangerous precedent and threaten the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
He said that Nigeria cannot afford to regress into an era where dissent is criminalised and opposition voices are forcefully silenced through harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrest.
“The CNG demands the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Yusuf. We urge the government to focus on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges rather than expending energy on silencing critics. Democracy thrives on dialogue, debate, and the free exchange of ideas, not suppressing dissenting voices.
“We also call on the Tinubu administration to uphold democratic principles by allowing a free and open space for constructive criticism and alternative views. If the government continues on this path of repression, it will only fuel greater resistance and deepen the growing mistrust between the leadership and the people,” he said.
He also called on civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to note this dangerous trend and hold the government accountable for its actions, which are being used to destroy Nigeria’s democratic successes.
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