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 for wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku made the call in a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu,
He questioned why citizens should be arrested for expressing political opinions through their clothing, arguing that wearing a political slogan should not constitute an offence in a democracy.
Atiku also accused President Bola Tinubu of abandoning the position he held during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, when he supported protests against fuel price increases.
According to him, Nigerians are now grappling with rising costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity under Tinubu’s administration.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes.
“Parents are cutting meals. Workers can scarcely afford the journey to work. Families are being crushed by bills that rise faster than their income.
“And when citizens put their anger on a T-shirt, the response is reportedly an arrest.
“What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?” Atiku asked.
He said the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” amounted to a call for political change and should not be treated as a threat or criminal act.
“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime. President Tinubu can disagree with those words. He can campaign against them. He cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them,” he said.
Atiku further demanded that the authorities disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and grant them access to their families and lawyers.
He also called for their immediate release if the political slogan was the reason for their arrest.
“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. Release these five citizens now,” Atiku said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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