NYCN expresses concern over alleged perceived, selective deployment of EFCC, others to silence opposition

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

The National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has expressed particular concerns about the situation in Bauchi State and other Northern states, where anti-corruption agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are widely perceived to be selectively deployed against opposition-led administrations.

The NYCN made the assertion during a Press conference addressed by Umar Lauya, National Vice President, on Friday, in Bauchi, titled: “Good Governance, Insecurity, Opposition and Democratic Integrity in Nigeria.”

According to him, “This perception of selective justice generates unnecessary tension, fuels political instability, and diverts attention from governance and development.”

According to him, “Sequel to a series of consultations among various stakeholders and a significant proportion of citizens, and after keenly observing the ongoing political atmosphere in Northern Nigeria and across the nation, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has convened this press briefing to clearly state its position on issues of national importance.”

He stated that, “Our engagement concluded that the collective interest of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large must always supersede personal interests or the narrow political ambitions of any individual or political association.”

According to him, “No meaningful development can occur in our states if citizens are persistently distracted by petitions, political maneuvering, and attempts to undermine one another. The time has come for political stability and a renewed focus on economic progress.”

He added that, “It is the firm view of the NYCN that political confrontations, particularly those amplified through the media, are unnecessary, avoidable, and counterproductive. Such actions erode public confidence, constrict democratic space, and weaken national cohesion.”

Umar Lauya stressed that,”Leaders must be reminded that their primary responsibility is to represent their constituents, safeguard collective interests, and deliver the dividends of democracy, not to pursue personal or partisan ambitions. We therefore call on all relevant actors to either shape up or step aside in the interest of the people.”

On EFCC and political neutrality, the NYCN observed with grave concern, the growing perception that the EFCC is being used as a political instrument against opposition figures.

The NYCN stressed that,”While the fight against corruption remains essential, it must be conducted with absolute neutrality, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law.”

According to it, “When anti-corruption institutions are perceived as tools of intimidation, democracy is weakened. No nation can thrive where opposition voices are silenced or criminalized for political reasons rather than genuine wrongdoing. Let it be clearly stated: no individual is above the law, and no institution is beyond accountability.”

On insecurity, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) strongly condemned the persistent culture of blame-shifting and political disagreements between Federal and State authorities over jurisdiction, laws, and responsibilities in addressing insecurity.

According to the NYCN, “Nowhere in the world should disputes between tiers of government be allowed to endanger the lives of innocent citizens. Security is a shared constitutional responsibility and must never be politicized.”

The NYCN expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity across various regions of the country, including banditry, kidnapiping, terrorism, communal conflicts, and other violent crimes.

“These challenges continue to claim lives, disrupt livelihoods, shut down schools, displace communities, and threaten Nigeria’s unity and stability,” It lamented.

“We therefore call on all tiers of government to rise above political interests, strengthen coordination, and take decisive, collective action to protect the lives and property of Nigerians,” It added.

Speaking on accountability, the NYCN stated that, “Corruption is not exclusive to any political party. As quoted by a serving Senator from Ekiti State, “We are all thieves here.” Members of the ruling APC, past and present officeholders, and all public officials must be subjected to equal scrutiny. Selective justice is injustice, and a blased anti-corruption fight only weakens the credibility of the entire process.”

On economic sovereignty and external pressure, the NYCN is alarmed by increasing external economic pressures, particularly from the United States and global financial institutions, Nigeria must not mortgage its economic sovereignty or shift the burden of global power politics onto an already struggling population.

It stressed that economic policies must prioritize national interest, local industry protection, and youth economic inclusion rather than unquestioned compliance with foreign agendas.

On harsh tax policies, the NYCN observed that, “Current tax policies are increasingly burdensome at a time when Nigerians are facing inflation, unemployment, fuel subsidy shocks, and declining purchasing power.”

The NYCN added that, “Taxation without corresponding economic relief, social protection, or job creation deepens poverty and public frustration. Youths, small businesses, and informal sector operators are stretched beyond their limits. A fair, gradual, and transparent tax system is therefore imperative.”

On prioritizing citizens’ welfare, it observed that,”Rather than expending public resources on media campaigns and personal publicity, leaders must prioritize grassroots development. Investments in health, education, social amenities, and Infrastructure must take precedence.”

NYCN stressed that, “Recent strikes by tertiary institution workers, coupled with allegations of mismanagement, further highlight the urgent need for accountable, transparent. and citizen-focused governance.”

The National Youth Council of Nigeria therefore called for: Immediate Institutional neutrality in the operations of the EFCC and all security, equal accountability across all political parties, including the ruling APC and protection of democratic space, opposition rights, and freedom of expression.

The NYCN also called for Economic policies that prioritize Nigerians over foreign pressure, review of tax policies to reduce hardship and stimulate productivity while all pending political cases to be formally brought before competent courts within 14 days.

The NYCN also categorically denounced and disclaimed the spread of fear, exaggerated claims of banditry, and any attempt to destabilize Bauchi State or other Northern states.

The NYCN concluded that, “Nigeria’s democracy and economic stability remain fragile. Any action that undermines public trust, deepens economic hardship, or suppresses dissent poses a serious threat to national unity.”

The NYCN assured that it remains committed to peace, justice, accountability, and democratic governance, and urges all leaders to serve the people rather than personal ambition.