JUST IN: That Should Be A Lesson To Everybody — Prof. Yusuf Reacts To El-Rufai’s Detention Case, Nuhu Ribadu

JUST IN: That Should Be A Lesson To Everybody — Prof. Yusuf Reacts To El-Rufai’s Detention Case, Nuhu Ribadu

Mar 12 2026

Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, has expressed concern over the detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing the situation as a distraction from the country’s pressing challenges.

Yusuf made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV shared on Thursday, March 12, 2026, while discussing developments surrounding El-Rufai’s legal troubles and the broader political climate in the country.

In his comments, Yusuf highlighted what he described as worsening national conditions, including insecurity and economic hardship: “We are burying our dead every day. Our people are being killed every day. There is hunger in the land. There is insecurity, pervasive insecurity, and two friends are fighting. Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu. This is a distraction.”

He continued by emphasizing that the situation diverts attention from more urgent national concerns: “This is a distraction from our problem.” When asked whether he believed the matter had become personal between the two figures, Yusuf responded directly: “Very personal. It is personal between them. It is personal. They have made government personal now.”

Yusuf also expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, stating that the conduct of public affairs should not be influenced by personal disputes: “This is irritating. This is our government. All over 200 million Nigerians, we are equal stakeholders in this.”

He further stressed that public office should not be used to suppress citizens or opponents: “You cannot suppress us because you are in a chair. Tomorrow, you will not be there. We have seen many like that.”

Referring to El-Rufai’s political career, Yusuf noted the former governor’s previous roles in government: “Nasir was one time a governor, one time a minister, one time this, and now he is locked up. That should be a lesson to everybody.”

Yusuf reiterated his call for due process and judicial handling of the case involving the former governor: “All we are asking for is Nasir El-Rufai must be given his fair trial and must be given justice. We do not see that happening.”

He questioned the necessity of continued detention, suggesting that the former governor should be allowed to face charges in court if any exist: “Why are you locking him up? Is he going to run? You went to his house, you said you are looking for wiretapping, whatever, and you took his wife’s token. This is nonsense.”

Yusuf concluded by insisting that legal procedures should be followed in addressing the allegations: “Nasir El-Rufai. If you have a case against him, take him to court. End of story. Release Malami. If you have a case against him, take him to court.

Naija news channel