Atiku Demands Safety Guarantees For Opposition Figures, Says Peter Obi Must Be Kept Safe From Harm
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the ADC presidential candidate, has demanded safety guarantees for the nation’s opposition figures noting that the true measure of democracy in any country is not how those who are in power wield authority, but how safely those who are not in power can exercise their constitutional rights.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the former Vice President, who said this in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu, also warned that nothing must happen to the NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi noting that the safety of every opposition leader is a constitutional obligation of the Nigerian state and a test of its democratic credentials.
‘Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. An injury to one is an injury to all. When one opposition leader is intimidated, every opposition voice is diminished. When one citizen begins to fear because of his political beliefs, democracy itself becomes the casualty.
The presidency must understand that democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When a citizen, particularly an opposition figure, voices concerns about the state of the nation or his personal safety, the first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct—not through insults. Democracies are strengthened by reasoned engagement, not by invective. A government that answers every criticism with abuse projects insecurity, not confidence.
The opposition is not the enemy of Nigeria. Poverty is the enemy. Hunger is the enemy. Insecurity is the enemy. Corruption is the enemy. Kidnapping is the enemy. The daily bloodletting across our communities is the enemy. A government that devotes more energy to attacking its critics than confronting these existential challenges has confused political survival with the purpose of governance’ he said.
The former Vice President also said the government has been quick in attacking opposition figures but however slow in addressing unprecedented economic hardship and worsening security situation in the country.
‘There are schoolchildren and teachers still waiting to be reunited with their families. There are countless innocent Nigerians languishing in the camps of kidnappers. These are the emergencies that deserve the full machinery of government—not endless political sparring with opposition figures’ he said.
Urging the Federal Government to devote the same attention and attach importance to rescuing every Nigerian held captive and ensure that public confidence in national security is restored like it had done in respect of tackling opposition figures, the ADC presidential candidate also renewed his call for the immediate release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
‘The continued detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has generated widespread public concern. Every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, is entitled to due process, equal protection under the law and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. Justice must never create the appearance of selective application.
Public confidence is not restored through insults or propaganda. It is restored through openness, accountability and the courage to answer legitimate questions. Governments earn trust by confronting controversy with facts, strengthening institutions and demonstrating that no one is above scrutiny.
Our elders say: ‘When the drums of injustice beat for your neighbour, do not dance, for tomorrow they may beat for you.’ Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, has a stake in defending the democratic space.
Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Release Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Bring home every abducted schoolchild, every teacher and every innocent Nigerian still languishing in the hands of kidnappers. Stop chasing political opponents and start confronting the crises that are bleeding our nation.
History will not remember how fiercely a government fought its critics. It will remember whether it protected its citizens, upheld justice, rescued the vulnerable and preserved the democracy entrusted to its care’ the statement added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
