Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts with the words “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku said that if the political slogan led to their arrest, the authorities should explain how wearing such a shirt became an offence in a democracy.
In a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku recalled that President Bola Tinubu once joined protests against fuel prices under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said Tinubu now oversees a cost-of-living crisis where fuel, food, transport and electricity have become painfully expensive.
“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.
“‘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.”
Atiku also demanded that the authorities reveal the detainees’ whereabouts, allow access to their families and lawyers, and release them if the 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,” he said.
