The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has expressed concern over what it described as selective justice against opposition figures by federal government agencies, warning that such practices undermine democracy and national stability.
The council raised the alarm on Friday during a press briefing addressed by its National Vice President, Comrade Umar Lauya in Bauchi, who called for political stability, good governance and an end to the alleged selective use of state institutions against opposition-led administrations.
Lauya stressed that the collective interest of Bauchi State and Nigeria must take precedence over personal or partisan ambitions, noting that issues of good governance, insecurity, opposition politics and democratic integrity should be addressed with sincerity.
He warned that constant political conflicts, petitions and media battles distract leaders from governance and economic development, adding that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of instability.
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The NYCN also expressed concern over what it described as a growing perception in the country that anti-corruption agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are being selectively deployed against opposition-led governments.
“…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.”
“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,”he insisted.
According to the council, such perceptions fuel political tension, weaken democratic institutions and divert attention from critical development challenges.
Commenting on political neutrality, the youth body urged the EFCC and other security agencies to carry out their duties with fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law, warning that selective justice erodes public confidence in state institutions.
The council further condemned the rising insecurity across the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal violence. It criticised the blame-trading between federal and state governments, insisting that security is a shared responsibility that should not be politicised.
NYCN said corruption cuts across all political parties and called for equal scrutiny of all public office holders, including those in the ruling party.
The council also raised concerns over external economic pressures and what it described as harsh tax policies, warning that excessive taxation amid inflation, unemployment and fuel subsidy removal is worsening hardship for youths, small businesses and the informal sector.
It called on government at all levels to prioritise citizens’ welfare, grassroots development, job creation and the protection of democratic space, urging leaders to focus more on service delivery than personal publicity.
In a six-point call to action, the NYCN demanded institutional neutrality of security and anti-corruption agencies, equal accountability across political parties, protection of opposition rights, a review of tax policies and the timely prosecution of political cases in competent courts.
