BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has expressed serious concerns over the lack of institutional neutrality by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which it noted is seriously endangering democracy in the country.
The NYCN therefore stressed the need for equal accountability across all political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and protection of democratic space, opposition rights, and freedom of expression by the anti-graft agency.
The Council at a press conference in Bauchi, addressed by Umar Lauya, National Vice President, expressed particular concerns about the situation in Bauchi in particular and other Northern states, where anti-corruption agencies, especially the EFCC are widely deployed against opposition-led administrations in the country.
The NYCN noted with grave concern, the growing perception that the EFCC is being used as a political instrument against opposition figures, saying that while the fight against corruption remains essential, it must be conducted with absolute neutrality, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The NYCN said; “Corruption is not exclusive to any political party. 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 biased anti-corruption fight only weakens the credibility of the entire process.
“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, but the perception of selective justice generates unnecessary tension, fuels political instability, and diverts attention from governance and development.
“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, 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,” it stressed.
The NYCN further said that no meaningful development can take place in the states if citizens are persistently distracted by petitions, political manoeuvring, and attempts to undermine one another.
It therefore said; “The time has come for political stability and a renewed focus on economic progress. 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. 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,” it said.
