Atiku blows hot over arrest of 5 Nigerians for wearing ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-shirts

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”

Atiku faulted the arrest and questioned how wearing a political slogan could constitute an offence in a democracy. He made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

“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 said.

The Borno State Police Command had earlier arrested and arraigned five men in Maiduguri over the printing and wearing of the T-shirts.

Atiku maintained that the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” was a political demand and not a criminal act.

“‘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,” he said.

The former vice president further questioned the double standards regarding freedom of expression.

“What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?” Atiku asked.