Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken out against the recent detention of a social media critic, urging the government to set the person free immediately.
Atiku said the critic was only expressing their opinions and that arresting someone for speaking out is wrong and harmful to democracy. He warned that such actions could make people afraid to share their views, weakening public trust in the government and creating an atmosphere of fear across the country.
He also called on civil society and human rights groups to stand up for freedom of expression, emphasizing that Nigerians should be able to voice their concerns without fear of punishment.
Atiku further stressed that a democracy is judged not only by elections but also by how it treats dissenting voices. “When citizens are silenced for speaking the truth, it threatens the very foundation of governance and accountability,” he said. He urged the authorities to engage in dialogue with critics rather than resorting to intimidation, noting that open discussion is essential for progress and national unity.
The former vice president concluded by appealing to all Nigerians to continue advocating for their rights peacefully and responsibly, reminding leaders that the health of a democracy is measured by the freedom of its people to express themselves openly.
