Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Mr Atiku, in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said the reported arrests raised concerns over the right to freedom of expression in a democracy.
He demanded that authorities disclose the whereabouts of the five Nigerians, grant them immediate access to their families and lawyers, and release them if the political slogan was the reason for their arrest.
Mr Atiku also recalled that President Bola Tinubu had participated in protests against fuel price increases under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said the development was ironic, given the current economic difficulties facing Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy and other government policies.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” Atiku said.
“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?” he asked.
Mr Atiku said the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” represented a political demand and should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence.
“‘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.
The former vice president urged the authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests.
“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,” he said.
