A Northern youth group, Tafiyar Matasan Arewa has urged the President, Bola Tinubu to prioritise alleviating the hardship befalling Nigerians instead of descending on dissenting voices.
The Group described the arrest and detention of Prof Usman Yusuf, a former boss of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), needles and misplaced priority.
While speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Chairman of the Tafiyar Matasan Arewa, Abdulrasheed Maidawa said that: “Tinubu-led administration should redirect its energy and resources towards addressing the pressing security challenges, hunger, health issues, and economic difficulties that are plaguing our nation, rather than targeting its critics.”
He said that Professor Yusuf has been a beacon of hope for many, courageously speaking out against the injustices faced by the most vulnerable in society. “His arrest not only undermines the principles of free speech and democracy but also distracts from the urgent issues that require immediate attention from our leaders.”
Maidawa described Professor Yusuf as someone who has consistently stood up for the rights of the underprivileged, speaking out against injustices and advocating defenceless. His commitment to social justice and his fearless stance against corruption and inequality have made him a target for those who wish to silence dissenting voices.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Usman Yusuf. His arrest is a clear violation of his rights and an attempt to stifle the important conversations that need to take place in our society. We call on the relevant authorities to respect the rule of law and uphold the democratic values that our nation stands for.”
The former NHIA boss was arrested by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) over alleged procurement fraud while heading the Agency.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has on Thursday rescheduled Yusuf’s arraignment to Monday February 3.
The trial judge Chinyere Nwecheonwu postponed the arraignment based on the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to amend the charges.