Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the words, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku described the reported arrests as deeply troubling, questioning how a political slogan printed on a shirt could become grounds for detention in a democracy.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and give them immediate access to their families and lawyers.
“If a political slogan is the reason for their detention, those responsible must explain how wearing a shirt became an offence in a democracy,” Atiku said.
He also drew a sharp contrast between President Bola Tinubu’s past opposition to fuel-price policies under former President Goodluck Jonathan and the economic pressures Nigerians face today.
According to Atiku, Nigerians are now struggling with soaring costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity, while families are being forced to cut back on basic necessities.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” he 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.”
Atiku said the reported arrests raise an even bigger question about freedom of expression.
“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.
He insisted that the slogan “Tinubu Must Go” represents a demand for political change and should not, by itself, be treated as a criminal act.
“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime,” Atiku said.
“President Tinubu can disagree with those words. He can campaign against them. He cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them.”
Atiku concluded with a direct appeal to the authorities: disclose the detainees’ whereabouts, grant them access to their families and lawyers, and release them if the slogan was the basis 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 Demands Immediate Release of Five Arrested Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Shirts
