Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.” Atiku expressed concerns about the reported arrest, questioning its implications for freedom of expression and citizens' rights to peacefully express their views in a democracy.
Atiku recalled that President Bola Tinubu was among Nigerians who publicly protested the fuel pricing policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He argued that Nigerians should equally be free to express their dissatisfaction with the policies and economic conditions under the Tinubu administration. Atiku emphasized that citizens have the right to express their opinions, just as Tinubu did during Jonathan's administration.
The rising cost of living in Nigeria has placed significant pressure on households, with food, transportation, electricity, and other essential expenses becoming increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford. Atiku stated that parents are cutting meals, workers can scarcely afford the journey to work, and families are being crushed by bills that rise faster than their income. He criticized the government's response to citizens' protests, citing the arrest of the five individuals.
Atiku questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported detention of the five individuals, asking whether expressing a political opinion through a slogan could constitute an offence in a democracy. He emphasized that the slogan “Tinubu Must Go” should be understood as a political expression and demand for change rather than a threat or act of violence. Atiku urged the government to respect citizens' rights to express their opinions peacefully.
The former Vice President maintained that while the President has the right to disagree with the slogan and campaign against those advocating political change, citizens should not be denied their rights to express their political views peacefully. Atiku called on the relevant authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees, allow them immediate access to their families and lawyers, and release them if their reported detention was solely connected to the T-shirts.
Atiku urged the authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure that citizens can express their political opinions without fear of arbitrary detention. He emphasized that Tinubu was free to express his opinions during Jonathan's administration and that Nigerians must be free to express their dissatisfaction with Tinubu's policies. Atiku's statement highlights the importance of protecting citizens' rights to freedom of expression.
The ADC presidential candidate's statement has sparked a renewed debate about freedom of expression and citizens' rights in Nigeria. Atiku's call for the release of the five detainees has been seen as a move to protect citizens' rights and promote democratic values. The incident has raised concerns about the government's response to citizens' protests and the protection of constitutional freedoms.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands release of five Nigerians arrested for wearing 'Tinubu Must Go' T-shirts.
- Atiku cites concerns over freedom of expression and citizens' rights to peacefully express their views.
- The incident raises questions about the government's response to citizens' protests and protection of constitutional freedoms.
