Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and a prominent Nigerian Medical Doctor, Professor Usman Yusuf, has formally petitioned the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged threatening and inciting remarks made against him by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In the petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS, Prof. Yusuf expressed concern over comments allegedly made during a widely circulated public address by Senator Kwankwaso following Yusuf’s recent media remarks on political coalitions and regional political issues.
According to Prof. Yusuf, although Senator Kwankwaso did not directly mention his name during the address, the description used was sufficient for supporters and viewers familiar with the political issues being discussed to identify him.
Prof. Yusuf further alleged that Kwankwaso called on members of the Kwankwasiyya movement and associated political youth groups to “scatter” the individual being referenced using the Hausa expression “pata-pata,” which he said could reasonably be interpreted as a call for intimidation or violence.
He warned that, given Nigeria’s tense political atmosphere and previous cases of politically motivated violence in some parts of the country, such remarks should not be ignored.
“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 officially document the complaint, invite Senator Kwankwaso for questioning, and take preventive steps to ensure the safety of himself, his family, and associates.
Prof. Yusuf stressed that democratic societies must protect citizens’ rights to freely express opinions and participate in national discourse without fear of intimidation, threats, or politically motivated attacks.
He also called on political leaders across party lines to exercise caution in their public statements and avoid rhetoric capable of inciting supporters or undermining public peace.
Copies of the petition were reportedly forwarded to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Embassy of the United States in Abuja, and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria.
Professor Usman Yusuf is a prominent Nigerian medical doctor, public administrator, and vocal political commentator. He is a Professor of Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation.
