Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of five men arrested and arraigned in Borno State over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, on Wednesday.
The former vice president questioned the basis for detaining the men if the political slogan was the reason for their arrest, asking how wearing a shirt could constitute an offence in a democracy.
The Borno State Police Command arrested and charged the five men in Maiduguri over allegations linked to the printing and wearing of the T-shirts. They face charges including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
Atiku also criticized President Bola Tinubu over what he described as a contradiction between his past opposition to fuel-price policies under former President Goodluck Jonathan and the current economic hardship Nigerians face.
“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.
He alleged that rising costs of food, transportation, electricity and fuel were placing pressure on households and workers.
Also Read: Tinubu returns from Europe, says he is healthy, ready to go
Atiku said the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” represented a political demand and should not be treated as a threat or weapon.
He said Nigerians should have the same freedom to criticize Tinubu that the President had exercised when opposing policies under Jonathan.
“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,” he said.
Atiku called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five men and ensure they have access to their families and lawyers.
He further demanded their release if the political slogan was the basis for their arrest.
The Borno Police Command has not publicly responded to the criticism, while the five defendants are facing the charges filed against them in court.
Crediblenewsng.com
