By Najib Sani
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has issued a strong statement urging the federal government to prioritise the nation’s interests over personal ambitions as it expressed concerns over alleged selective justice in the fight against corruption.
In a press briefing on Friday in Bauchi, Bauchi State, NYCN National Vice President, Umar Lauya, expressed concern over the perceived selective deployment of anti-corruption agencies, particularly the EFCC, against opposition-led administrations.
The group has particularly lamented 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 observes with grave concern the growing perception that the EFCC is being used as a political instrument against opposition figures. While the fight against corruption remains essential, it must be conducted with absolute neutrality, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“When anti-corruption institutions are perceived as tools of intimidation, democracy is weakened. No nation can thrive where opposition voices are silenced or criminalised for political reasons rather than genuine wrongdoing.
“The NYCN is particularly concerned 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.
“This perception of selective justice generates unnecessary tension, fuels political instability, and diverts attention from governance and development,” he said.
The council also condemned the worsening insecurity, blaming leaders for politicising security and failing to coordinate efforts to protect citizens.
He also highlighted concerns over external economic pressures, saying “Nigeria must not mortgage its economic sovereignty or shift the burden of global power politics onto an already struggling population.”
On tax policies, the council noted that “taxation without corresponding economic relief, social protection, or job creation deepens poverty and public frustration.”
They demanded a review of tax policies, citing burdens on citizens amid economic challenges.
