The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to uphold institutional neutrality in the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases, particularly those involving opposition political figures.
The National Vice President of the council, Umar Lauya, made the call while speaking with journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, expressing concern over developments in Bauchi State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
Lauya said there is a growing perception that anti-corruption agencies, especially the EFCC, are being selectively deployed against opposition-led administrations, a trend he warned could undermine public trust.
He cautioned that perceptions of selective justice could heighten political tension, fuel instability and divert attention from governance and development priorities.
According to him, the NYCN views politically driven confrontations, particularly those amplified through the media, as avoidable and counterproductive, noting that such actions weaken democratic institutions and national cohesion.
Lauya also expressed concern over what he described as the increasing belief that the EFCC is being used as a political tool, stressing that while the fight against corruption is critical, it must be carried out with transparency, fairness and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He emphasized that corruption is not confined to any political party, adding that all public office holders, past and present, should be subjected to equal scrutiny regardless of political affiliation.
“Selective justice is injustice,” Lauya said, insisting that a biased anti-corruption campaign would only damage the credibility of the entire process.