*Says agenda of anti democratic forces must be rejected
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and erstwhile Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
has advised the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to refrain from any attempts to use security agencies to harass or illegally detain any member or voice of the political opposition.
Atiku specifically told the APC-led government to perish the idea of arresting members of the PDP and all opposition voices including the many individuals across the internet who speak up only to seek a better country.
The former Vice President gave the advice in his tweets via his verified Twitter handle, in response to development in the country.
The PDP presidential flag bearer pointed out that where opposition freedoms are, however, under threat or even the appearance of threat, “we, as Democrats and Patriots, have a duty to speak up”.
Arresting or silencing members of the opposition based on contrived charges, Atiku pointed out, is not only an affront to the principles of democracy but also a grave injustice to the very people who rely on the system for representation and justice.
The government, he stressed, must avoid the temptation of conceding to the agenda of anti democratic forces.
He maintained that the essence of democracy is not about comfort for those in power but about ensuring justice, liberty, and equality for all.
According to Atiku, “The principles of Democracy are principles that we have lived by and which we have seen some of our closest associates die for.
“The ruling APC must refrain from any attempts to use our security agencies to harass or illegally detain any member or voice of the political opposition – and this call is not here limited to only members of my political party, but indeed all opposition voices including the many individuals across the internet who speak up only to seek a better country.
“The recent revelations suggesting potential suppression of voices and trumped-up allegations against opposition figures are deeply troubling.
“A vibrant democracy thrives not when dissent is silenced but when it is listened to, even if it makes those in authority uncomfortable.
“The bedrock of any thriving democratic society is its ability to protect and respect contrary viewpoints.
“Such viewpoints ensure that governance remains transparent and that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few.
“Arresting or silencing members of the opposition based on contrived charges is not only an affront to the principles of democracy but also a grave injustice to the very people who rely on the system for representation and justice.
“The government must avoid the temptation of conceding to the agenda of anti democratic forces.
“The essence of democracy is not about comfort for those in power but about ensuring justice, liberty, and equality for all.
“Let us, as Nigerians, unite in upholding these principles and ensuring that every voice, no matter how contrary, is allowed its rightful place in the discourse.
“I continue to walk the path of seeking justice beyond judgement at the Supreme Court and I carry this responsibility with the knowledge that this path also carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians who by their votes sought a change in the political direction of our country.
“This responsibility is one I am prepared to lead for as long as I am here and in health, conscious that many of those whom we started together may no longer be with us but their memories remain evergreen.
“Democracy is a collective responsibility, and I urge Nigerians to never lose their voice or let themselves be cowed into silence”, he said.