Citizen Prof. Usman Yusuf Petitions Kwankwaso Over Alleged Threats

By Marylyn Omoloju

Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, a Critic, has sent a petitioned to the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over what he described as threatening and inciting statements allegedly made against him by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso an NDC chieftain and former governor of Kano State.
In the petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS, Prof. Yusuf raised concerns over remarks made during a widely circulated public address by Senator Kwankwaso following Yusuf’s recent media commentary on political coalitions and regional political issues.
According to Prof. Yusuf, although Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso did not directly mention his name during the address, the description used was sufficient to identify him in the minds of viewers and supporters familiar with the ongoing political discourse.
He further alleged that Senator Kwankwaso called on members of the Kwankwasiyya movement and affiliated political youth groups to “scatter” the individual being referenced, using the Hausa expression “pata-pata.” Prof. Yusuf stated that he believes such language could reasonably be interpreted by supporters as a call for intimidation or possible violence.
Prof. Yusuf noted that, considering the already tense political atmosphere and previous incidents of politically related violence in parts of the country, the remarks should not be dismissed lightly.
Describing the statements as “dangerous and inflammatory”, Prof. Yusuf said they were capable of threatening his personal safety as well as that of his family.
In the petition, he urged security agencies to formally document the complaint, invite Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for questioning, and take preventive measures to forestall any potential threat to him, his family, and his associates.
The former NHIS Executive Secretary also emphasized the need to protect citizens’ rights to freely express their opinions and participate in national discourse without fear of intimidation, threats, or politically motivated attacks.
He further called on political leaders across party lines to exercise restraint in public communication and avoid rhetoric capable of inciting supporters or undermining public peace.
Copies of the petition was also forwarded to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Embassy of the United States of America in Abuja, and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria.