Atiku said Musa’s only “crime” was his consistent and legitimate criticism of insecurity in Northern Nigeria and across the country, stressing that such expression is protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of young Nigerian activist Abubakar Salim Musa, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deepening a dangerous crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression.
In a statement on Monday, Atiku cited a report shared by Amnesty International Nigeria, on Sunday, which revealed that Salim Musa was arbitrarily arrested over his criticism of the country’s worsening security situation.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, Musa’s arrest was unlawful and forms part of a growing pattern of repression under the Tinubu government.
Atiku said Musa’s only “crime” was his consistent and legitimate criticism of insecurity in Northern Nigeria and across the country, stressing that such expression is protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
“Rather than address these serious concerns, the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial,’” Atiku said.
He warned that Musa’s ordeal was not an isolated case, noting that journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers and even National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members had been harassed, assaulted or detained for criticizing the President or members of his family.
"This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he said.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted, and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government.”
With the country approaching a critical general election period, Atiku warned that repression would make free political participation impossible for both citizens and opposition groups.
"As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he said.
The former Vice President called on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
He also urged the government to halt what he described as a systematic campaign of intimidation against critics, journalists and opposition voices.
He said, “I therefore call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
“I also urge the government to halt the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation targeting critics, journalists, and opposition voices.
“I urge the international community, particularly countries and organizations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations.”
Atiku further appealed to the international community, including democratic governments and human rights organisations, to hold the Tinubu administration accountable and demand an end to rights violations in Nigeria.