Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately release Abubakar Salim Musa, describing his arrest as part of a growing crackdown on dissent in Nigeria.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Monday,
following a report by Amnesty International Nigeria on the arrest of the young
Nigerian on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
“This case is yet another stark example of the repressive
nature of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to bare its
fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online
criticism,” Atiku said.
According to him, Musa’s only offence was his persistent
criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across
the country.
“Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimate
criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and
across the country,” he stated.
Rather than engage with the concerns raised, Atiku said the
government resorted to intimidation and prosecution.
“Instead of addressing these serious concerns, the
government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty
International rightly describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial,’” he added.
The former vice president stressed that Musa’s arrest was
not an isolated incident, noting that several Nigerians had suffered similar
treatment for expressing dissent.
“Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren,
entertainers and even NYSC members, have faced arrest, assault and intimidation
simply for criticising the President or members of his family,” Atiku said.
He warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s
democratic foundations.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of
democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom
of expression,” he said.
Atiku further argued that Nigeria’s democratic credentials
were being eroded by the continued repression of critics.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its
citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for voicing
criticism of their government,” he stated.
With general elections approaching, Atiku cautioned against
an atmosphere of fear and repression.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election,
neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere
of fear and repression,” he warned.
He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Musa
and others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
“I call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and
unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for
exercising their constitutional rights,” Atiku said.
He also urged the government to halt arbitrary arrests and
intimidation, while calling on the international community to intervene.
“I urge the international community, particularly countries
and organisations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu
regime accountable and demand an end to these violations,” he said.
Atiku concluded by calling on Nigerians and civil society
groups to resist any further erosion of civil liberties.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups and all
Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any
further erosion of our freedoms,” he added.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com