Usman Yusuf, former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has stated that Bola Tinubu is trying to silence opposition and suppress dissent by imposing a one-party system.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Sunday, Yusuf claimed that his recent detention was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him and discourage opposition to government actions.
Recall that in February, Yusuf was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a five-count charge of alleged fraud.
He pleaded not guilty before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court.
Reflecting on his time in Kuje prison, Yusuf described it as a period of “retreat for rest, prayers, and reflection,” insisting that it only strengthened his resolve.
He recounted how he was sandwiched between an armed officer and a young operative inside a bus, who high-fived each other “as if they had captured a notorious criminal like Kachalla Bello Turji.
Yusuf added that the operatives prevented him from changing his clothes and stopped his wife from bringing him alternative clothing.
“According to Yusuf, he spent six days in EFCC custody before being arraigned. He also said that he was denied bail due to the judge’s illness, resulting in an additional 24 days spent at Kuje prison.
“The denial of bail was wrong,” he said.
“Bail is a constitutionally guaranteed right for any accused person, except in cases of capital offences or terrorism, and my case was neither.”
“This government deliberately denied me bail to shake me up. I spent six days at the EFCC and 24 days in Kuje prison — all to try and silence me. But I am not someone who can be silenced.”
“The whole purpose was the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu trying to silence any form of dissent.”
“This is coming from a president who himself was once a NADECO activist — someone who fought against the military, who ran across the border, and fled to safety.”
Yusuf emphasized that criticizing a government is a fundamental right in a democracy.
“Criticising a government in a democracy is the legitimate right of every citizen. But now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to stifle dissent and turn Nigeria into a one-party dictatorial state. We are not going to let that happen.#Tinubu
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