Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has accused Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, of applying a double standard to political expression.
His criticism followed the arrest of five Maiduguri residents over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Dalung said the reported prosecution of the men raised serious questions about the space available for dissenting political opinions in Borno State.
The five residents were reportedly arrested by the police and charged with conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
Amnesty International has condemned the arrests and called for their immediate release, according to BusinessDay, which Dalung referenced in his statement.
The former minister questioned why citizens wearing shirts expressing support for President Bola Tinubu could freely display their political preference.
He asked why those displaying an opposing message should face criminal charges.
“Is it the T-shirt? Or is the offence that the message on the T-shirt is against your preferred candidate?” Dalung asked.
He argued that political expression should not depend on whether the message favours or criticises those in power.
“If ‘Tinubu Must Stay’ is a legitimate political expression, then ‘Tinubu Must Go’ is also a legitimate political expression,” Dalung said.
The former minister said the development was particularly disappointing.
He said he had previously regarded Zulum as a politician who understood the importance of restraint and democratic principles.
Dalung warned that elected officials had a duty to protect the rights of both supporters and opponents.
He said a governor should not become an instrument for enforcing political conformity.
“A Governor is not a President’s prefect in the state,” Dalung said.
He urged Zulum to intervene in the case and ensure that the five men were released.
Dalung argued that disagreement with the President should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence.
“Borno is not a political detention centre. And Governor Zulum must understand that disagreeing with Tinubu is not a crime,” he said.