Northern group demands release of ex-NHIS boss detained for misconduct
A Northern-based advocacy group for social justice has demanded the unconditional release of the former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Professor Usman Yusuf.
The Chairman of Tafiyan Matasan Arewa, Abdulrasheed Maidawa, during a press conference held on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Bauchi State, expressed deep concern over Yusuf’s arrest, noting that he is a respected advocate for social justice and a voice for the marginalised.
While speaking on the arrest, Maidawa advised the “President Tinubu-led administration to redirect its energy and resources toward addressing the pressing security challenges, hunger, health issues, and economic difficulties that are plaguing our nation rather than targeting its critics.”
He maintained that “Professor Yusuf has been a beacon of hope for many, courageously speaking out against the injustices faced by the most vulnerable in our 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.”
The group noted that the challenges facing Nigeria today are monumental, “from escalating insecurity that threatens the lives and livelihoods of citizens to widespread hunger, unemployment, inflation, and inadequate healthcare, the government must prioritise these critical areas.
“Instead of silencing dissent, the administration should engage in constructive dialogue with its critics and work collaboratively to find solutions to the myriad problems facing our nation,”We Maidawa stated.
The north-based group further urged the Federal Government to focus on taking decisive actions against insecurity, addressing hunger, improving healthcare, and strengthening the country’s economy.
According to the Tafiyan Matasan Arewa leader, “In the light of the above, we unequivocally condemn the arrest of Professor Usman Yusuf, a prominent advocate for the rights of the marginalised and a voice for the voiceless in our society.
“His detention is not only an affront to his personal freedoms but also a direct attack on the principles of justice, equity, and free speech that are fundamental to our democracy, and we, therefore, call for the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Usman Yusuf.
“His voice is vital in the ongoing struggle for justice and equity in our society.
“We stand in solidarity with him and all those who advocate for a better Nigeria,” he stressed.
Maidawa insisted, “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.”
He further urged all citizens, civil society organisations, and human rights advocates to stand in solidarity with Yusuf and to speak out against his arrest.
“We must protect the rights of individuals who dare to challenge the status quo and advocate for the voiceless, “he emphasised.
