By Editor
Nigeria’s ruling class is shrinking democratic space through intimidation and abuse of state power, with Kano and Borno states offering latest evidence, Punch Editorial Board says.
In Kano, citizens have reportedly been arrested, detained and prosecuted over social media posts critical of Governor Abba Yusuf, creating a climate of fear, while in Borno, five citizens face prosecution for wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.
The editorial endorsed Amnesty International Nigeria’s position that dissent is lifeblood of democracy, noting similar crackdown on journalists including Daniel Ojukwu, Madu Onuorah and Segun Olatunji, and weaponisation of Cybercrimes Act against critics.
It also cited threats by an FCT council chairman warning residents to vote his party or leave, an Osun senator allegedly calling for death of opposition members, and an Edo party chairman calling for “AK-47 fire” against opponents.
The Board urged President Bola Tinubu to make clear that public office does not confer right to silence dissent, saying security agencies must uphold the Constitution and those who incite violence or deploy state institutions against opponents must face consequences.
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