News Editor
By Dahiru Yusuf Yabo
Justice must be blind, impartial, and consistent—yet in Nigeria, recent events highlight a disturbing trend of selective enforcement that undermines the rule of law. If corruption is to be tackled effectively, there must be no sacred cows or untouchable political elites.
The Case of Prof. Usman Yusuf: Selective Prosecution?
Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of inflating the NHIS ICT budget and awarding contracts to family members. While due process must be followed, his case raises a critical question:
Why is the law swift against some, yet silent on others guilty of the same or worse offenses?
Political Nepotism: A More Brazen Abuse of Office
Meanwhile, in stark contrast, the National Assembly recently nominated the children of Abdullahi Ganduje, Aliyu Wamakko, and other political elites as directors of the newly established North West Development Commission. These appointments, lacking in merit-based justification, represent a blatant act of nepotism and systemic corruption—yet no legal action has been taken.
This double standard suggests that anti-corruption efforts are being weaponized against some individuals while others enjoy immunity due to political affiliations. This erodes public trust, deepens the culture of impunity, and weakens institutions meant to uphold justice.
Justice Must Be Consistent and Swift
If Professor Yusuf is being held accountable for alleged abuse of office, then the law must extend its reach to those who use political influence to install their children and cronies into strategic government positions. Anything less than this is an injustice that exposes the hypocrisy of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
A Call for Urgent Action
The EFCC, judiciary, and all relevant authorities must:
1. Investigate and prosecute all cases of nepotism and abuse of office—including political appointments based on favoritism.
2. Arraign all beneficiaries, influencers, and perpetrators of this corruption, ensuring that justice is not one-sided.
3. Release Professor Usman Yusuf or extend the same legal scrutiny to every political actor guilty of nepotism and abuse of office.
Anything short of equal application of the law is injustice. Nigerians must demand transparency, accountability, and an end to selective justice. Without this, the fight against corruption will remain a political tool rather than a genuine effort to reform governance.
Dahiru Yusuf Yabo
Political and Security Analyst
6th February 2025
