The Katsina State Elders Forum has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Professor Yusuf, an acclaimed hematologist and bone marrow transplantation expert, was invited back to Nigeria from the United States to lead the NHIS. Despite his distinguished career, he has been an outspoken critic of the government in various interviews and public forums.
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Last week, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his Abuja residence, arresting him in front of his family. He was subsequently arraigned on allegations of fraud and has been remanded in custody.
However, the Elders Forum insists that Professor Yusuf has committed no crime and is being persecuted for exercising his constitutional right to freedom of speech. The forum’s secretary, Aliyu Sani Muhammad, criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, questioning whether democratic principles are being eroded.
Muhammad also highlighted what he described as double standards in the government’s actions. He pointed out that while Yusuf faces charges for allegedly awarding a minor contract to his nephew, President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, was reportedly awarded a major contract for the Lagos-Calabar Highway without due process.
“For this government, there are people targeting Usman simply because of his bold interviews. The Americans still value his expertise, and globally, he is recognized—we don’t have many like him in Nigeria,” Muhammad stated.
He further dismissed one of the charges against Yusuf as trivial, noting, “Among the accusations is one about awarding a negligible contract to his nephew, which is insignificant compared to the contract awarded to Tinubu’s own son, Seyi.”
Senator Mamman Abubakar Danmusa, the acting chairman of the forum, also issued a stern warning to President Tinubu, cautioning that the continued detention of Professor Yusuf could have serious consequences.