The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The coalition als called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and allow space for constructive criticism.
Professor Yusuf, a prominent critic of the government, has been vocal in challenging its policies and advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance. His arrest has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to suppress dissent.
In a statement on Thursday, CNG National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, described the arrest as a “blatant act of political persecution” and a move to intimidate opposition voices.
“While the CNG recognises that the EFCC or any agency has the mandate to investigate wrongdoing, we reject politically orchestrated efforts to silence critics, especially when many corrupt individuals are being shielded and protected by the same government,” Charanchi said.
The group warned that suppressing dissent sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
It urged the government to focus on addressing pressing national challenges rather than cracking down on opposition figures.
“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 statement added.
CNG has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Yusuf and called on civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to hold the government accountable for what it described as a growing trend of repression.