Atiku Decries Attacks on CSOs by FG, Says It’s Akin to Period of Military Dictatorship

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubukar has condemned the assault on civil society organisations (CSOs) by the federal government, saying it is “profoundly disturbing”, like the days of military dictatorship.

In a statement he signed on his X account, Atiku said, “The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing. The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.

“The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomises this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organised labour.

”Just days prior, security forces detained a journalist, only to later claim it was a grievous error. What if the outcome had been fatal?

“Now, Tinubu’s regime extends its repressive grasp to encroach upon @SERAPNigeria, an action that stands as a grave affront to our democratic values. This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice.”

Atiku said it was imperative that Tinubu and his security apparatus redirected their fervour and intimidation towards the actual perpetrators of violence — terrorists and bandits — who were inflicting immeasurable suffering upon the Nigerian people.