Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
The five men were reportedly arrested and arraigned after the Borno State Police Command accused them of printing and wearing the T-shirts. A police First Information Report cited by multiple reports alleges that the men were involved in criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
Reacting to the development, Atiku questioned the basis for detaining the men if the political slogan on their shirts was the reason for their arrest.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said President Bola Tinubu had previously joined Nigerians protesting fuel prices under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He contrasted that history with what he described as the current cost-of-living pressures facing Nigerians, citing the rising costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes. Parents are cutting meals. Workers can scarcely afford the journey to work. Families are being crushed by bills that rise faster than their income.
“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?” Atiku asked.
He argued that the phrase “Tinubu Must Go” represents a political demand rather than a weapon or threat, and said citizens should be able to express opposition to the President.
“‘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.”
Atiku also called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and grant them immediate access to their families and lawyers.
He further demanded their release if the political 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.”
The arrests have drawn wider attention, with Amnesty International also calling for the release of the five men and saying political dissent expressed through clothing should not constitute a crime.
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