Atiku stated this on Sunday in a statement, he titled, ‘A Nation in the Thrones of Fear’, stress­ing that there is a disturbing yet growing pattern by which the administration of Tinubu has continued to muzzle free speech and, in so doing, erode the integ­rity of the democratic ethos that define our nation.

The statement reads in part, “It’s a development that should trouble every Nigerian, for if this creeping culture of repres­sion continues unchecked, it will ultimately turn the Federal Gov­ernment into a bully — and make subjects of free citizens.

“The Silencing of Voices: The roll call of Nigerians currently on trial or languishing in deten­tion facilities across the country is far too long to recount. For months now, both local and in­ternational human rights organ­isations have drawn attention to the steady descent of the Tinubu administration into the shadows of dictatorship.

“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.

“The People vs. Power: Any law that impedes, suppresses, or limits the right of citizens to make critical remarks about their leaders — whether on digi­tal highways, in print, or through spoken word — is undemocratic and a direct assault on the spirit of fundamental human rights.”

He added, “In the two and a half years since the Tinubu administration began unleash­ing its cocktail of economic hardship, hunger, and despair on the Nigerian people, we have witnessed protests and outcries from citizens who can no longer bear the weight of bad gover­nance. Yet, rather than listen, the government has chosen the path of brute force and intimidation — treating dissent as treason and turning peaceful protesters into prisoners.

“It’s tragic, indeed, that such violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights are occurring at a time when our democracy ought to be maturing. We must remind the Tinubu regime that no government, no matter how powerful, is greater than the people. To attempt otherwise is impolitic, preposterous, and des­tined to fail.

“A Government Without Re­straint: While it is true that the government bears the responsi­bility to maintain law and order, no responsible administration fires live canisters at peaceful protesters or hides behind ambig­uous laws to arrest and re-arrest citizens who have been granted bail by competent courts.

“The Tinubu government’s disregard for the rule of law and persistent disobedience of court orders have become its most infa­mous credentials. Human rights groups, both at home and abroad, have repeatedly raised the alarm, yet the pattern persists.

“From journalists jailed for speaking truth to power, to citizens arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, Nigerians continue to suffer persecution simply for daring to think, to speak, or to protest. If truth be told, this regime may have surpassed all its predeces­sors in the reckless use of state power to crush public opinion.”