Members of the Katsina Elders Forum, a non-political group, on Saturday, distanced themselves from a statement made by their Secretary, Mohammed Aliyu, regarding Prof. Usman Yusuf’s arrest.
9News Nigeria, reports that Yusuf, the former National Health Insurance Scheme boss, was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Credible On-line Platform, also reports that at a recent press conference, Aliyu threatened that the people of Katsina would not support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
At a press conference, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta, a member of the forum and Galadima Katsina, made their stance known during a briefing with newsmen in Katsina on Saturday.
Abdullahi-Mahuta, also the District Head of Malumfashi, clarified that the forum is not opposed to calls for Yusuf’s release, as they disapprove of the political nature of Aliyu’s statement.
“This is not an elders’ language. It is not our position. We completely dissociate the Katsina Elders Forum from this statement.
“Our forum is not for politics. We are a group of respected elders concerned about the development and progress of the state and Nigeria.
“We are not part of the statement calling for Yusuf’s release or claiming the people of Katsina would not vote for the president in the upcoming elections,” he said.
According to him, Yusuf’s arrest and detention is not the solution; he should either be released or face a fair trial in court.
Abdullahi-Mahuta stressed that it is their right to make such calls, adding, “Thanks to Almighty Allah, he has been released.”
He clarified that the purpose of the briefing was to make their stance clear, that they are not part of the political statement and that justice should prevail.
The District Head further emphasised that every individual has the right to support and vote for any candidate they believe will meet their needs.
