Freedom Under Fire: Atiku Demands Release of 'Tinubu Must Go' Protestors in Borno
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested in Borno State for wearing "Tinubu Must Go" T-shirts. Atiku argues that such a slogan is a legitimate call for political change, drawing parallels to President Tinubu's past protests, and insists citizens must be free to express views on current economic realities.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has issued a resolute call for the immediate release of five Nigerian citizens. These individuals were reportedly arrested in Borno State simply for wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
Reacting to the arrests on Wednesday, Atiku Abubakar, speaking through Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, expressed deep concern. He firmly stated that if a political slogan is the singular reason for their detention, then the authorities bear the responsibility to explain clearly how wearing such a shirt could be deemed an offense warranting arrest and detention.
Atiku Abubakar drew a significant parallel to current President Bola Tinubu’s own past. He highlighted that President Tinubu had previously participated in protests against fuel price increases during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Based on this precedent, Atiku argued that Nigerian citizens must similarly be afforded the freedom to express their views on the prevailing economic realities affecting the nation under the current government.
He unequivocally declared that the slogan “Tinubu Must Go” constitutes a legitimate demand for political change within a democratic framework and should not, under any circumstances, be misinterpreted or treated as a criminal act. Atiku urged the authorities to promptly disclose the whereabouts of the detainees, grant them unhindered access to their families and legal counsel, and ensure their immediate release if the political slogan is indeed the sole basis for their apprehension.
In a concluding statement, Atiku Abubakar underscored his position with a powerful sentiment: “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.” This declaration reinforces the fundamental right of citizens to voice dissent and call for political change without fear of arbitrary detention.