BY AHMED AKANBI
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku, in a statement on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said the arrests raise serious questions about freedom of expression under a democracy.
The statement was titled, “Tinubu, You Protested Jonathan’s Fuel Prices. Release The Five Young Nigerians Reportedly Arrested Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts – Atiku.”
According to Atiku, if the political slogan was the reason for the detention, authorities should explain how wearing a T-shirt became a criminal offence.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu had openly opposed the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, including his fuel pricing policies, at a time Nigerians were protesting on the streets.
He said the situation has now changed, with Nigerians battling 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?” he queried.
Atiku said the phrase “Tinubu Must Go” is a demand for political change and not a weapon, threat or 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.
He called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and grant them access to their families and lawyers, demanding their immediate release if they were arrested solely for the message on their shirts.
”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. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander!” Atiku added.