Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last election, has sharply criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as more repressive than past military regimes.
His comments came in response to the arrest of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the government’s takeover of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 10, Abubakar expressed grave concern over what he described as a disturbing trend of oppressive actions by the Tinubu administration, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was under serious threat. According to him, the level of state control and intimidation now surpasses the darkest periods of military rule.
“The recent events show that the level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship,” Abubakar remarked, referring to both Ajaero’s arrest and the encroachment on civil society.
Ajaero’s arrest is seen by many as an attempt to weaken labor unions, which have been vocal against government policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies that have led to widespread economic hardship.
Atiku, in his statement, urged the Tinubu administration to refocus its security efforts on the pressing threats of terrorism and banditry rather than harassing labor leaders and activists.
“The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, epitomizes this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organized labour,” Atiku stated. “This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice.”
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