The Yar’adua Community Development Association in Katsina Local Government Area (LGA), Katsina State, has called for the immediate release of Professor Usman Yusuf, who has been in detention for seven days. The group argues that the allegations against him are politically motivated and aimed at silencing his outspoken criticism of government policies.
Speaking at a press conference, the chairman of the association expressed deep concern over Professor Yusuf’s continued detention, describing it as an unjust attempt to suppress dissent. He noted that the professor is accused of awarding a contract to a relative without budgetary approval, a charge the group insists lacks credible evidence.
"Professor Usman Yusuf is being targeted simply because he exercises his constitutional right to free speech and holds the government accountable for its policies," the chairman stated.
Professor Usman Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has been a vocal critic of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari. His critiques focus on governance failures, economic policies, and national security issues.
Some of his major concerns include:
Economic Hardships: He condemned the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, stating that these policies have led to inflation, increased poverty, and economic instability.
Unfair Tax Policies: He criticized President Tinubu’s taxation reforms, particularly the redistribution of Value Added Tax (VAT), arguing that it disproportionately affects ordinary Nigerians and threatens national unity.
Government Wastefulness: He denounced excessive government spending, particularly the recent purchase of a new presidential jet, at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with economic hardship.
Crackdown on Opposition Voices: He expressed concerns over the government's suppression of protests and dissenting opinions, warning that such actions could lead to authoritarian rule.
Misplaced Foreign Policy Priorities: He urged the government to focus on the welfare of Nigerians rather than funding international bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Yar’adua Community Development Association outlined three key demands:
Immediate Release of Professor Usman Yusuf: The group insists that he be granted bail without delay, as no law justifies his prolonged detention.
End to Political Persecution: The group condemns the use of anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary to silence critics, urging the government to respect democratic principles.
Judicial Independence: They called on the judiciary to resist political interference and uphold justice without bias.
The association emphasized that this issue is not just about Professor Usman Yusuf, but about protecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians to express their views without fear of intimidation or wrongful prosecution.
"If this injustice continues," the group warned, "Nigeria will become a country where anyone who criticizes the government is silenced through fabricated charges and legal harassment."
They called on civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and the general public to join their cause in demanding justice for Professor Usman Yusuf.
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