Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong criticism of the federal government following the recent arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the takeover of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
In a statement released on September 10, Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), expressed grave concern about what he sees as an increasing trend of oppressive actions by the current administration. He noted that "the level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship," highlighting these incidents as troubling signs of a government suppressing civil society.
Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu to shift the nation’s security focus towards combating pressing issues like terrorism and banditry, rather than targeting labor leaders and civil rights organizations. He stated, "The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing. The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, while he was heading to an official event, exemplifies this regime's ongoing effort to intimidate organized labor."
He also referenced a recent incident involving the detention of a journalist, questioning the potential consequences had the situation been more severe. Atiku criticized the government's actions against SERAP, calling it a serious violation of democratic principles and a threat to freedom and justice. He emphasized the need for the administration to redirect its efforts towards addressing the real threats posed by terrorists and bandits, who are causing significant harm to the Nigerian populace.