By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – NORTHERN groups under the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, Thursday, condemned the arrest and continued detention of former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Prof Usman Yusuf by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Expressing their concern over circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention by the EFCC, in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, CNG, Jamilu Charanchi, pointed out that the 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. His arrest, therefore, is not only a blatant act of political persecution but also a clear attempt to intimidate opposition and suppress free speech.

Charanchi said: “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), strongly condemns 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. His arrest, therefore, is not only a blatant act of political persecution but also a clear attempt to intimidate 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 that are 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 criticize 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.

“We cannot afford to regress into an era where dissent is criminalized 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 pressing challenges facing the nation, rather than expending energy on silencing critics. Democracy thrives on dialogue, debate, and the free exchange of ideas, not on the suppression of 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.

“The CNG calls on civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to take note of this dangerous trend and hold the government accountable for its actions that are deployed to destroy Nigeria’s democratic successes.”