Human rights lawyer and activist, Maxwell Opara, has called on President Bola Tinubu to respect democratic principles and stop the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV amid the ongoing protests in Abuja, Opara drew comparisons between Tinubu’s administration and that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging the current government to learn from history.
In his words, “Had it been that Jonathan refused to hand over, heaven would not have fallen,” Opara said, stressing that former President Jonathan willingly handed over power in 2015 to ensure peace and stability in the country. According to him, that singular act remains one of the most honorable moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Opara lamented that it was unfortunate to witness a government that once benefited from protests now turning against citizens exercising the same constitutional rights. “Mr. President is a product of protest. I participated in protests with him. Why should he now want to kill people because they are protesting peacefully?” he queried.
The lawyer condemned the actions of security agencies who, he alleged, used tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters. He insisted that the police must immediately release those arrested, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer and his brother, Fine Boy Kanu. Opara accused the new FCT Commissioner of Police of being brought in specifically to suppress the ongoing demonstrations and warned that such tactics would fail.
He maintained that the protest, which shut down parts of Abuja, was a “massive success” and a clear signal that Nigerians were tired of injustice and selective oppression. “Tinubu better understand now that we are not joking,” he said, adding that citizens had every right to demand fairness and accountability.
Opara emphasized that the demand for Kanu’s release was not just about one man but a symbol of the larger fight for justice and human rights in Nigeria. He urged the government to act with restraint and wisdom, warning that history would judge harshly any leader who uses force to silence the people.
“Jonathan handed over peacefully because he understood that leadership is about service, not ego,” Opara said. “Tinubu should learn from that humility and realize that no one remains in power forever.” See, More, Here>>>>
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