A prominent Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of Nigeria's past under the late dictator General Sani Abacha. The group's National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, expressed grave concerns over the government's handling of dissent and criticism.
Faloye highlighted several alarming incidents, including the arrests of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and investigative journalist Adejuwon Soyinka by the Department of State Services (DSS). He also pointed to the detention of underage protesters as evidence of the administration's oppressive tactics.
"We are concerned about how this administration is going. Not only is the NLC President being harassed, but we have hundreds of people in jail for treason for partaking in hunger protests," Faloye stated during an interview on a national television program in Lagos on September 11, 2024.
Afenifere did not mince words, labeling the Tinubu government a "colossal failure" for its perceived persecution of opponents and its drift towards fascism. "The economy has completely collapsed under this present administration, people who have been outspoken against the administration are being arrested and detained," Faloye added.
The group drew parallels between the current situation and the repressive era of General Sani Abacha, warning that Nigeria is at risk of sliding back into a dictatorial regime. "We are gradually moving into Gen Abacha days if we are not careful," Faloye cautioned.
Afenifere's critique extended to the broader implications of these actions on Nigeria's democracy. "Even the international community has accused Tinubu of criminalising peaceful protests in a democratic dispensation and condemned the trend. This is unacceptable. This is not democracy anymore. We are sliding into fascism," Faloye asserted.
The organization called for the immediate release of those detained for participating in protests and urged President Tinubu to heed the advice of notable figures like Professor Wole Soyinka to prevent Nigeria from descending further into authoritarian rule.
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