Atiku Abubakar, the presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party for 2023 elections, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration and security agencies to focus their efforts on holding accountable those responsible for violent acts instead of intimidating innocent citizens.

On Tuesday, the ex-Vice President accused Tinubu’s government of exercising a greater degree of oppressive dominance than even the most severe period under military dictatorship. This was communicated via his authenticated Facebook account.

It is important to remember that on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, who serves as the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, was apprehended by the Department of State Services while en route to official obligations in the UK.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s Abuja office was also raided by the DSS on that day.

Ajaero remained in custody all day and was eventually released on Monday night, late.

Atiku’s reply highlighted that Ajaero’s apprehension is a clear indication of the present government’s continued attempts to bully and repress organized labor.

According to him, the Bola Tinubu government’s increasing attack on civil society and media is highly alarming. He highlighted that the current level of oppressive regulation surpasses even the most severe periods of military dictatorship.

This regime’s unyielding effort to intimidate and suppress organised labour is exemplified by the detainment of Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, while on his way to an official engagement.

Opposing the principles of freedom and justice, as stated by the former Vice President, was the DSS raid on SERAP.

The post stated that security forces had arrested a journalist, but later admitting it was a serious mistake. The author wondered what would have happened if the incident had resulted in that person’s death.

Tinubu’s administration has now widened its restrictive grip to infringe upon SERAP, a move that severely challenges our democratic ideals. This intrusion is contrary to the notions of liberty and fairness.

Tinubu and his security team need to channel their energy and intimidation tactics towards the real instigators of violence – terrorists and bandits. These groups are causing untold pain for Nigerians.