The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s government and security agencies to focus their intimidation efforts on those responsible for violence rather than peaceful citizens.
In a statement on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, the former Vice President asserted that Tinubu’s administration imposes a level of oppressive control that surpasses even the most repressive eras of military rule.
This statement comes in the wake of the arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday morning at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as he was en route to the UK for official duties.
On the same day, the DSS conducted a raid on the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project. Ajaero was detained for the entire day and released late Monday night.
In light of these events, Atiku condemned Ajaero’s arrest as a clear indication of the current administration’s ongoing efforts to intimidate and suppress organized labor movements.
He remarked, “The increasing attacks on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration are deeply troubling. The extent of oppression now enforced exceeds even the most severe periods of military dictatorship.”
The recent detention of Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, while heading to an official event, exemplifies this administration’s unwavering effort to intimidate and suppress organized labor.”
The former Vice President further stated that the DSS raid on SERAP fundamentally contradicts the ideals of freedom and justice.
The post stated in part, “Just days earlier, security forces arrested a journalist, only to later describe it as a serious mistake. What if the result had been tragic?
Now, Tinubu’s regime is extending its oppressive reach to target SERAP, an act that represents a serious violation of our democratic values. This assault contradicts the very principles of freedom and justice.
Tinubu and his security forces should redirect their energy and intimidation towards the real culprits of violence — the terrorists and bandits — who are causing immense suffering for the Nigerian people.
