Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has addressed criticisms over his comments regarding the reported detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Yusuf spoke during an interview on Trust TV, where he reacted to public backlash following his remarks on El-Rufai’s alleged incarceration by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The issue has generated widespread debate, with differing opinions on whether prominent political figures should receive public sympathy when facing investigations.
Explaining his stance, Yusuf said he has come under pressure for speaking out. “I have been taking a lot of heat from a lot of people saying why are you speaking up for Nasir El-Rufai when Mallam Nasir El-Rufai did this and that,” he stated. He suggested that public reactions have been shaped by past perceptions of El-Rufai’s actions while in office, making any defense of him controversial.
The former NHIS boss emphasized that his comments were not necessarily an endorsement of El-Rufai’s record but rather a reflection on principles of fairness and justice. According to him, individuals should not be denied the right to due process regardless of their political history or public image.
Yusuf’s remarks highlight the polarized nature of public discourse in Nigeria, particularly when it involves high-profile political figures and anti-corruption agencies. While some Nigerians insist that accountability must be pursued vigorously, others argue that the rule of law must remain paramount, even for those with contentious pasts….See More
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