Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of exceeding even the harshest military regimes in terms of oppression.
The recent controversy began early on Monday when Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
On the same day, DSS operatives also took over the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
Atiku, who was the 2023 presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his concerns in a statement posted on his verified X account.
He condemned the actions of the Tinubu administration as deeply disturbing.
Atiku’s statement said, “The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.”
He continued, “The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, en route to an official event, epitomizes this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organized labour.”
The former vice president also pointed out that just days earlier, security forces had detained a journalist, only to later claim it was a mistake.
Atiku questioned what might have happened if the situation had been more severe.
“Now, Tinubu’s regime extends its repressive grasp to encroach upon SERAP, an action that stands as a grave affront to our democratic values. This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice,” he wrote.
The DSS’s actions have raised concerns among various groups about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
Atiku urged President Tinubu to redirect his administration’s security efforts.
Instead of targeting civil society, he suggested that Tinubu should focus on combating terrorists and bandits, who are causing significant harm to the Nigerian people.
“The real threat to the country comes from terrorists and bandits who are inflicting immeasurable suffering,” Atiku said.
He called on Tinubu and his security agencies to address these pressing issues rather than intimidating civil society organizations and media outlets.
The arrest of Joe Ajaero and the takeover of the SERAP office have sparked widespread criticism.
Many view these actions as attempts to silence dissent and stifle criticism of the government.
SERAP, an organization known for advocating transparency and accountability, has been a vocal critic of government corruption and human rights abuses.
The DSS’s invasion of their office has been seen by many as an effort to curb their activities and suppress their voice.
In Nigeria’s recent history, military regimes were notorious for their harsh control and repression of civil liberties.
During those times, freedom of speech and the press were severely restricted.
Atiku’s comparison of the current administration to those regimes highlights the gravity of his concerns about the current political climate.
