Tinubu and His Government Behave Like Sovereigns Over Nigerians,” Atiku Fumes

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president of Nigeria, has slammed the President Bola Tinubu-led administration over what he described as a growing rise in the repression and intimidation of citizens, especially those who criticize the incumbent government.

In an opinion titled, “A Nation Gripped in the Throes of Fear,” Atiku criticized the use of the Cyberstalking Act as a modern tool to target critics while displaying tyranny reminiscent of colonial sedition laws.

He also accused Tinubu’s administration of constantly weaponizing state institutions such as the Nigeria Police Force, among others, to intimidate critics and opponents while undermining the nation’s democracy and the rule of law.

Warning that this development is one that should trouble every Nigerian as it is gradually becoming a culture of repression, Atiku said when unchecked, the path toed by the Tinubu administration can turn the Federal Government into a bully and make subjects of free citizens.

“Under the obnoxious Cyberstalking Act, this government has metamorphosed into a leviathan – one that thrives on fear and seeks to silence the very voices that sustain democracy. This is an aberration, an affront to freedom, and it must be roundly rejected.

“The so-called Cyberstalking Act is a chilling reminder of the infamous Sedition Laws that many civilized nations have long discarded. In the 21st century, it is unthinkable that the Government of Nigeria -or any government, for that matter —should seek to control free speech, that sacred pillar of liberty and the lifeblood of democracy,” Atiku said.

He further stated that between 2023 and 2025, since Tinubu took over power from the late President Muhammadu Buhari, his administration has done nothing but place Nigerians on a pedestal of economic hardship, hunger, and despair.

Atiku said that the people have, at various instances, expressed themselves through outcries and protests, but rather than listen, the government has chosen the path of brute force and intimidation while treating criticism as treason and turning peaceful protesters into prisoners.

He said, “Today, President Tinubu and his government behave as though they are sovereigns over the people. As they continue to suffocate dissent, they also attempt to subdue opposition parties and silence every voice of reason.

“Even institutions that should act as checks on executive excesses – legislatures, oversight agencies, and the judiciary – have become mere rubber stamps, their leaders tripping over themselves to sing the praises of a president few dare to question,” he said.

He also expressed optimism that the 2027 election will serve as a defining moment, not just for political parties but between the present administration and the people of Nigeria who would head to the polls to choose their preferred leader.