Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, has declared that he will never be intimidated into silence by what he describes as President Bola Tinubu’s dictatorial and autocratic leadership. Yusuf, currently standing trial for alleged N90 million fraud, claims that the government is using security agencies to track and suppress him due to his outspoken criticism of Tinubu’s administration.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Yusuf alleged that since he began publicly opposing policies he believes are inflicting unbearable hardships on Nigerians, he has felt the presence of the state stalking him and his family.
“I know it to be true that security agents have been physically and electronically tracking my family and I on the orders of this government,” he stated.
Despite being remanded in Kuje Prison, Yusuf remains resolute, asserting that his trial is part of a larger effort to silence opposition voices. In a strongly worded statement titled “Abduction And Detention By The EFCC And Incarceration In Kuje Prison Will Never Silence Me,” he insists that the charges against him are baseless and politically motivated.
Yusuf was arraigned before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former NHIS boss stands accused of authorizing the unauthorized payment of N6.8 billion to himself and NHIS staff, an allegation he has vehemently denied, pleading not guilty to all charges.
A renowned hematologist and bone marrow transplant specialist, Yusuf was appointed as NHIS Executive Secretary in 2016 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. However, his tenure was fraught with controversy, suspensions, and investigations, culminating in his eventual removal from office.
Since leaving public office, Yusuf has emerged as a staunch critic of the Tinubu administration, particularly regarding its economic policies and governance approach. His fiery stance has reportedly put him on the radar of state security agencies, a claim he asserts is evidence of a wider crackdown on dissenting voices.
Despite his legal troubles, Yusuf remains unbowed, expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from both within Nigeria and abroad.
> “My family and I are deeply touched and remain eternally grateful for the overwhelming support from people all across the country and abroad,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to standing against what he describes as the oppression of the Nigerian people, vowing:
> “I will never be silenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dictatorial and autocratic leadership, which is forcefully suppressing any legitimate opposition to his misrule of our fatherland.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the case of Prof. Usman Yusuf continues to stir debate, raising critical questions about political opposition, governance, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 