Activist and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of fostering an environment of anarchy by attempting to criminalize peaceful protests. In a recent interview with AIT, Adeyanju questioned the government’s apparent hostility towards demonstrations that seek to address issues of bad governance.
Adeyanju expressed his disbelief at the administration’s approach, challenging the rationale behind viewing peaceful protests as a threat to the government. “How does a protest against bad governance become a threat to topple the government?” he asked, underscoring his concern over the government’s efforts to stifle dissent.
He criticized Tinubu, noting that as a prominent figure from the June 12 democracy struggles, he should not lead a government 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.
Warning about the dangers of suppressing dissent, Adeyanju drew a parallel with recent events in Bangladesh, stating, “Senseless politicians acting irrationally led to the removal of a democratically-elected government. The current government is inviting anarchy by making peaceful protest impossible.”
He also criticized the government’s priorities, highlighting the inconsistency of labeling protests as treason while terrorists operate freely. “Terrorists are dancing and sharing their loot on TikTok, an emir was kidnapped, yet the government is more angered by protests,” Adeyanju remarked.
He added, “Even under military regimes, protests occurred. This administration is doing worse by violating people’s rights and trying to criminalize protests and a free press.”
Concluding his remarks, Adeyanju cautioned the government about 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 warned.
