Activist and human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has criticised the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of paving the way for anarchy by attempting to criminalise peaceful protests.
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Speaking during an interview on AIT, the activist questioned the rationale behind the government’s hostility towards demonstrations aimed at ending bad governance.
Adeyanju expressed shock at the government’s stance, asking, “How does a protest against bad governance become a threat to topple the government?”
He said that Tinubu, given his past as a beneficiary of the June 12 struggles for democracy, shouldn’t lead a government that will be hostile to protests.
“He is one of the chief beneficiaries of the June 12 struggles. Yet, we now see policemen behaving like politicians — actions that made military rule possible in the first place in this country,” Adeyanju said.
Adeyanju warned of the dangers of suppressing dissent, saying “Look at what happened in Bangladesh.
“Senseless politicians acting irrationally led to the removal of a democratically-elected government. The current government is inviting anarchy by making peaceful protest impossible.”
Adeyanju also criticised the government’s priorities, pointing out the hypocrisy of labelling protests as treason while terrorists operate with impunity.
“Terrorists are dancing and sharing their loot on TikTok, an emir was kidnapped, yet the government is more angered by protests.
“Even under military regimes, protests occurred. This administration is doing worse by violating people’s rights and trying to criminalise protests and a free press,” Adeyanju added.
He concluded by cautioning the government against its approach to civil unrest.
“The government’s body language suggests they don’t want protests. They are doing all this because a protest is scheduled for October 1.
“This only serves to fuel public hate for democracy, making the government the leading force in undermining it,” he noted.
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