The recent arrest of Juwon Sanyaolu @AyowoleSanyaolu for merely planning a protest is a blatant violation of the fundamental tenets of the Nigerian Constitution and an egregious assault on the rights of Nigerian citizens.
The right to peaceful assembly and protest is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and is a cornerstone of any democratic society. By arresting Sanyaolu, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a profound disregard for these constitutional rights, effectively stifling free expression and dissent. This action not only undermines the rule of law but also signals a dangerous descent into authoritarianism under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This arrest is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of repression and intimidation by Tinubu’s government. The administration’s heavy-handed tactics, which include the suppression of protests and the targeting of political opponents, reflect a regime that is more interested in consolidating power than in upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights of its citizens.
The implications of this descent into dictatorship are dire. The erosion of civil liberties and the suppression of dissent create a climate of fear and mistrust, which undermines the very fabric of our society. It is a tragic irony that the Nigerian military and law enforcement, which is supposed to defend the constitution, is now being used to enforce the will of a government that blatantly violates it.
Furthermore, the administration’s focus on silencing critics and stifling opposition distracts from addressing the critical security issues facing the country. As insurgent groups continue to wreak havoc, killing soldiers and civilians alike, the government’s priorities seem dangerously misplaced. Instead of protecting Nigerians and ensuring their safety, the Tinubu administration is more concerned with maintaining its grip on power at any cost.
This pattern of behavior is a disgraceful betrayal of the trust placed in Tinubu by the Nigerian people. It is an affront to the principles of democracy and justice that our nation was built upon. The arrest of Juwon Sanyaolu for planning a protest is a stark reminder that under Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria is sliding into a full-blown dictatorship.
