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Northern Youths Rally for Abubakar Malami’s Freedom Amid Allegations of Political Targeting
A coalition representing northern youth organizations has publicly called for the immediate liberation of Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation. The group accuses the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of engaging in politically motivated prosecutions, selectively targeting critics of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Claims of Politically Motivated Prosecutions by EFCC
During a press briefing held on Monday, the coalition’s chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, condemned the EFCC’s recent actions as a tool for suppressing dissent rather than a genuine effort to combat corruption. Ibrahim emphasized that the ongoing investigations and detentions appear to be aimed at intimidating prominent northern opposition figures.
“What Nigerians are witnessing is not a sincere anti-corruption campaign but a calculated effort to silence respected northern opposition leaders,” Ibrahim stated, highlighting concerns over the agency’s impartiality.
Allegations of Unequal Treatment in Anti-Corruption Efforts
The coalition criticized the EFCC for what it described as a double standard in prosecuting corruption cases. While northern opposition politicians face aggressive scrutiny, several southern political figures with pending corruption allegations have reportedly evaded similar investigations. The group cited examples such as Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; Nyesom Wike, ex-Governor of Rivers State; Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State Governor; and Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President.
Concerns Over Broader Political Implications
According to the coalition, the EFCC’s actions are part of a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to weaken opposition coalitions ahead of upcoming elections. They warned that other notable northern politicians, including Nasir el-Rufai, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Jibrilla Bindow, former Governor of Adamawa State, might also be targeted in similar fashion.
Economic Policies and Regional Impact
Beyond political grievances, the youth groups expressed frustration over federal economic policies they believe exacerbate poverty in northern Nigeria. They pointed to the government’s continued importation of staple food crops, despite the region’s capacity to produce these in abundance, arguing that such policies undermine local agriculture and livelihoods.
Demands for Fairness and Transparency
The coalition’s demands include the immediate release of Abubakar Malami and an end to the harassment of his family members. They also called for the unconditional release of all opposition figures currently detained by the EFCC. Furthermore, they urged the anti-corruption agency to adopt a non-partisan approach, ensuring that investigations and prosecutions are conducted equitably across all regions and political affiliations.
As Nigeria approaches critical electoral cycles, the coalition’s statements underscore growing concerns about the politicization of anti-corruption efforts and the need for transparent governance to foster national unity and democratic integrity.
