Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged threatening and inciting remarks made against him by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In a press statement issued on May 22, 2026, Prof. Yusuf disclosed that he submitted formal complaints to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS, expressing concern over comments allegedly made by Senator Kwankwaso during a public address that later circulated widely on social media.
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According to him, although the former Kano governor did not directly mention his name, the description used during the speech clearly suggested that he was the individual being referred to, especially among followers familiar with the political issues under discussion.
Prof. Yusuf further alleged that Senator Kwankwaso called on members of the Kwankwasiyya movement and allied political youths to “scatter” the person being referenced, using the Hausa expression “pata-pata,” which he said could be interpreted by supporters as a call for intimidation or violence.
He noted that given the tense political atmosphere in the country and the history of politically related violence in some parts of Nigeria, such statements should not be treated lightly.
“I consider these remarks dangerous, inflammatory, and capable of endangering my personal safety and that of my family,” Prof. Yusuf stated in the petition.
The former NHIS boss urged security agencies to investigate the matter, invite Senator Kwankwaso for questioning, and take preventive measures to avert any threat to his life and associates.
He also stressed that democracy thrives when citizens are allowed to freely express their opinions without fear, intimidation, or politically motivated attacks.
Prof. Yusuf further called on political leaders across party lines to exercise restraint in their public utterances and avoid comments capable of inciting violence or undermining public peace.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the United States Embassy in Abuja, and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria.
