Prof Usman Yusuf former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS accuses President Bola Tinubu of alienating the North calling it political suicide He warns northerners have no reason to support him again unless he changes course .
In a strong and public statement Prof Usman Yusuf former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of committing political suicide by alienating his northern supporters He declared that northerners have no reason to vote for Tinubu again unless the president changes what he described as a pattern of neglect exclusion and failure to address the region’s critical security and governance challenges .
Background Who Is Prof Usman Yusuf
Prof Usman Yusuf is a hematologist oncologist by training who once served as head of the NHIS In recent years he has become one of the most outspoken critics of President Tinubu focusing on issues of insecurity political inclusion and governance He believes the current administration has failed to give the northern region the attention and fairness it deserves despite its central role in Tinubu’s electoral victory .
Also Read : BREAKING DSS DG Ajayi Places ₦20m Bounty Detains 16 Officers Over Promotion Exam Scandal
Key Accusations by Yusuf
Alienating the North Despite Electoral Support
Yusuf reminded Nigerians that the North delivered nearly two thirds of the votes that secured Tinubu’s victory in the last election particularly from the northwest Despite this he argued that Tinubu has favored the southwest especially Lagos in appointments and influence with a large majority of political positions going to his home base He described this as political suicide warning that no leader can alienate his strongest supporters and still expect loyalty .
Failing on Security in the North
According to Yusuf the greatest failure of the Tinubu administration has been its response to insecurity in the northern states He said Tinubu has been perceived as the first Commander in Chief to take a hands off approach even as banditry and terrorism worsen He pointed to the killings in Katsina and other states as well as attacks on mosques and continued mass abductions Yusuf insisted that security has not improved despite government claims and accused the administration of hiding behind propaganda rather than solving real problems .
Using Government Agencies as Political Tools
Another major accusation from Yusuf is that government agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC are being used as political weapons to silence critics He described himself as a victim of persecution saying those who speak against the government are often labeled as criminals even when they are only exercising their right to free speech .
Neglecting the Constitution’s Federal Character Requirement
Yusuf also criticized the president for ignoring the constitutional requirement of federal character which demands fair representation of all regions in government appointments He argued that Tinubu’s appointments have concentrated power in one part of the country and accused the National Assembly of failing in its duty to check and balance the president’s actions .
Misguided Approach to Banditry and Insecurity
On the issue of banditry Yusuf argued that a purely military approach will never work He called for a combination of local community engagement social interventions and dialogue alongside military efforts He believes negotiations and non military solutions should be part of the strategy just as has been done in other conflict zones around the world .
Broader Implications and Reactions
Electoral Stakes in the North
Yusuf’s statement that northerners have no reason to vote for Tinubu again carries serious political weight The North played a decisive role in the last election and losing that support could have far reaching consequences in the future .
Regional Friction and National Cohesion
By accusing the president of favoring one region over others Yusuf’s remarks highlight the danger of growing regional mistrust He frames his argument not only as a political one but as a moral responsibility insisting that leadership must be inclusive if Nigeria is to remain stable and united .
Weakness of Checks and Balances
A recurring theme in Yusuf’s message is the failure of Nigeria’s institutions to hold the executive accountable He criticized the legislature for approving lopsided appointments without proper scrutiny suggesting that weak checks and balances have worsened regional inequalities .
Conclusion
Prof Usman Yusuf’s sharp criticism of President Tinubu reflects a growing chorus of dissatisfaction in the North By calling Tinubu’s strategy political suicide he offers more than just political commentary he delivers a warning Excluding and neglecting the North could cost the president dearly in future elections Whether this criticism becomes a turning point for change or adds to deepening tensions in the country remains to be seen .
Disclaimer
This article reports on political statements and criticisms made by public figures The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers are advised to cross check updates from official news outlets