Direct Security Apparatus to Terrorists and Bandits, Not Civil Societies, Atiku Tells Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to focus the nation’s security apparatus on tackling the growing menace of terrorists and bandits rather than targeting civil society groups and the media.

On Tuesday, Atiku posted on X, condemning what he described as an “escalating assault” on civil society and labour unions under the current administration.

Atiku expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, who was detained while en route to an official event.

He noted that this incident reflects a disturbing trend of intimidation directed at organised labour by Tinubu’s regime.

“Mr Ajaero’s arrest is emblematic of this administration’s broader campaign to subdue and suppress dissent,” Atiku stated.

He also pointed to the recent detention of a journalist by security forces, describing it as a grave mistake that could have ended in tragedy. “What if the outcome had been fatal?” he asked.

He also condemned the government’s actions against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a leading civil society organisation advocating for transparency and good governance.

He called the move an “affront to our democratic values” and a direct attack on the principles of freedom and justice.

“This siege on SERAP is anathema to the core ideals of democracy. It is a blatant attempt to silence those holding the government accountable, and it must be resisted,” Atiku warned.

The former vice president urged the Tinubu administration to redirect its efforts towards combating the real threats facing Nigerians — terrorists and bandits.

“It is imperative that Tinubu and his security apparatus redirect their fervour and intimidation towards the actual perpetrators of violence — terrorists and bandits — who are inflicting immeasurable suffering upon the Nigerian people,” he stressed.

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