Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts with the slogan "Tinubu Must Go." Atiku, in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, expressed concern over the detention, questioning how wearing a shirt became an offence in a democracy. He emphasized that if a political slogan is the reason for their detention, those responsible must provide explanations.
Atiku drew parallels between President Bola Tinubu's past actions and the current situation. He recalled that Tinubu once protested against 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 Nigerians. Atiku highlighted the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, stating that parents are cutting meals, workers can scarcely afford to go to work, and families are being crushed by rising bills.
The former Vice President criticized the government's response to citizens' protests, noting that Tinubu had exercised his right to protest against Jonathan's fuel policy. However, he observed that the current administration's response to similar protests is arrest and detention. Atiku asked, "What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?" He stressed that "Tinubu Must Go" is a demand for political change, not a crime or a threat.
Atiku called on the authorities to disclose the detainees' whereabouts and grant them immediate access to their families and lawyers. He demanded that the government release the protesters if the slogan is the basis for their arrest. According to Atiku, "Tinubu was free to tell Jonathan that his policies were hurting Nigerians. Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them."
The arrests have sparked concerns about the limits of free speech and the right to protest in Nigeria. Atiku's statement has drawn attention to the plight of the detained protesters and the need for the government to respect citizens' rights. The incident has also raised questions about the consistency of the government's application of the law and its tolerance for dissent.
Atiku's demand for the release of the protesters reflects a broader concern about the government's handling of dissent and free speech. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the importance of protecting citizens' rights and the need for the government to be accountable to the people. As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching to see how the government responds to Atiku's demands and the concerns of citizens.
The government's response to the incident will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. The incident has implications for Nigeria's democratic development and its reputation as a country that respects human rights and the rule of law. Atiku's statement has added to the growing pressure on the government to take a more nuanced approach to dissent and free speech.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands the immediate release of 5 Nigerians arrested for wearing 'Tinubu Must Go' T-shirts
- The arrests have sparked concerns about the limits of free speech and the right to protest in Nigeria
- Atiku criticizes the government's response to citizens' protests, citing inconsistencies in the application of the law
