Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians detained in Borno State for wearing T-shirts with the slogan "Tinubu Must Go." Atiku's demand was made through a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. The statement expressed concern over the arrest, questioning how wearing a shirt became an offence in a democracy.
Atiku drew a comparison between President Bola Tinubu's past actions and the current situation. He recalled that Tinubu once protested fuel prices under President Goodluck Jonathan but now presides over a cost-of-living crisis. This crisis has made fuel, food, transport, and electricity painfully expensive for many Nigerians. Atiku highlighted the struggles of citizens, including parents cutting meals and workers struggling to afford commuting to work.
The former Vice President criticized the response to citizens expressing their anger through a T-shirt. He argued that if a political slogan is the reason for detention, those responsible must explain how this became an offence in a democracy. Atiku emphasized that "Tinubu Must Go" is a demand for political change, not a weapon, threat, or crime. He stressed that President Tinubu can disagree with the slogan but cannot justify making people disappear into custody for wearing them.
Atiku called on the authorities to disclose the detainees' whereabouts and grant them immediate access to their families and lawyers. He demanded their release if the slogan is the basis for their arrest. The ADC presidential candidate emphasized that Nigerians must be free to express their dissatisfaction with Tinubu's policies, just as Tinubu was free to criticize Jonathan's policies.
The statement from Atiku's campaign council also drew attention to the contrast between Tinubu's past and present. Tinubu was once vocal about his opposition to Jonathan's fuel policy, but now his administration is criticized for its handling of the economy. Atiku's statement questioned the double standard in allowing Tinubu to protest while denying the same right to other citizens.
Atiku's demand for the release of the detained individuals has sparked a conversation about democratic rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria. The incident has raised concerns about the limits of political dissent and the response of the authorities to citizens' protests. The call for the release of the detainees has also highlighted the ongoing struggles of Nigerians under the current economic conditions.
The situation remains to be resolved as Atiku continues to push for the release of the five detained Nigerians. The authorities have not yet commented on the arrests or the conditions of the detainees. The incident continues to draw attention to the complexities of democratic expression and the challenges faced by citizens in exercising their rights in Nigeria.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands the release of five Nigerians detained for wearing "Tinubu Must Go" T-shirts.
- The arrests have sparked concerns about democratic rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
- Atiku criticizes the double standard in allowing Tinubu to protest while denying the same right to other citizens.
