Adeyanju Reacts To Tinubu Administration For Suppressing Peaceful Protests

Adeyanju Reacts To Tinubu Administration For Suppressing Peaceful Protests

Activist and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of fostering an environment ripe for anarchy. Adeyanju claims that the federal government is attempting to criminalize peaceful protests.

Speaking during an interview on AIT, Adeyanju questioned why the government is hostile towards demonstrations aimed at addressing poor governance. He asked, “How does a protest against bad governance become a threat to topple the government?”

Adeyanju criticized Tinubu, pointing out that as a prominent figure who benefited from the June 12 struggle for democracy, he should not lead a government that suppresses protests. “He is one of the key beneficiaries of the June 12 struggle. Yet, we are witnessing a situation where police actions resemble those of political enforcers—actions reminiscent of the military rule that plagued our country,” Adeyanju said.

He warned of the risks of stifling dissent, drawing parallels to the political unrest in Bangladesh. “The irrational actions of politicians there led to the ousting of a democratically-elected government. By making peaceful protest impossible, the current administration is inviting anarchy.”

Adeyanju also criticized the government’s priorities, highlighting the irony of labeling protests as treasonous while terrorists operate with impunity. “Terrorists are flaunting their loot on social media, and an emir was kidnapped, yet the government seems more outraged by peaceful protests.”

He concluded by expressing concern over the administration’s approach to civil unrest, emphasizing that even under military regimes, protests were allowed. “This administration is worse by infringing on people’s rights and attempting to criminalize protests and a free press,” Adeyanju warned.