The Arewa Renaissance Group has joined groups and civil society organisations in condemning the arrest of a former Executive Secretary of th...
The Arewa Renaissance Group has joined groups and civil society organisations in condemning the arrest of a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Yusuf Usman.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Mr Yusuf was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday over alleged financial misappropriation of funds and fraudulent award of contracts.
But in a statement issued on behalf of the group by Sani Sabo on Saturday, the group lamented the disturbing pattern of arresting people perceived to be opposing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While expressing concern over Mr Usman’s detention, Mr Sabo said it appears politically motivated.
The group further decried the selective application of justice and misuse of legal institutions to suppress opposition voices.
It recalled that “the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in November 2024, detained Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 elections, over allegations of misappropriating derivation funds.”
“Similarly, the commission has reportedly initiated a probe into the campaign finances of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, with indications that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, may face arrest.
“These developments have sparked debates about the EFCC’s impartiality, with many believing that the agency disproportionately targets opposition figures.”
The Arewa group noted that reports indicate individuals and organisations critical of the administration “are facing undue pressure, raising alarms about the erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression—both fundamental rights in any democracy.”
“It is becoming increasingly clear that anyone who criticises the Tinubu administration faces intimidation, harassment, or threats, either from security agencies or the ruling party.
“It is becoming evident that this administration is increasingly perceived as hostile to dissent, suppressing free speech, cracking down on political opponents, and arbitrarily detaining those who oppose its views,” it stated.
The group warned that such actions signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism and a return to an era of human rights violations.
While acknowledging the complexities of Nigeria’s political and security landscape, the group insisted that Mr Tinubu bears ultimate responsibility for upholding human rights and the rule of law.
It said since assuming office in May 2023, the Tinubu administration is fast creating a delineating score over its human rights record.
It cited the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, where security forces allegedly used excessive force, leading to civilian casualties.
“Aside the perceived forceful suppression of dissent, further escalating concerns in the instance of the #EndBadGovernace protest was the detention of minors aged 14 to 17 who were arrested during the protest and faced severe charges, including treason.”
The group also compared the current situation to the military era, notorious for human rights violations, political repression, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and suppression of press freedom.
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