By Charles Pemu 
Abuja, Nigeria — Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has leveled a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the government of systematically stifling civic freedoms and actively eroding the fundamental rights of citizens.
In a comprehensive public statement titled, ‘A Memo To Nigerians: A Call to Collective Voice on the Shrinking Civic Space and Erosion of Citizens’ Rights in Nigeria,’ Ezekwesili condemned what she called a “deeply troubling trend” of diminishing civic space and a growing state intolerance for dissent.
Ezekwesili’s memo asserts that the current pattern of state actions reveals an unmistakable and dangerous trend: an administration that is “intolerant of dissent, allergic to accountability, and fearful of citizens’ voices.” She forcefully argued that the true strength of any government lies not in its ability to suppress criticism, but in its capacity to protect the rights of those who speak truth to power.
To back her claims, the former World Bank Vice President highlighted a series of disturbing cases involving state security agencies. These actions, she stated, are a testament to the government’s retreat from democratic ideals.
Specific Demands to the Presidency and Lagos State
The former Minister issued direct calls for action to both the Federal and Lagos State Governments regarding recent high-profile incidents:
- She demanded that President Tinubu immediately order the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the release of activist Omoyele Sowore and his colleagues. Ezekwesili pointed out that Sowore has been repeatedly arrested despite valid court orders granting him bail, with the latest incident related to a protest supporting Nnamdi Kanu.
- She also urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to issue a public apology to Yemi Adamolekun, the Executive Director of EiE Nigeria, and another activist, Ms. Nafziger. This demand stems from the alleged harassment of the activists by security personnel during a peaceful memorial event for victims of the #EndSARS movement.
Ezekwesili concluded her memo by stressing that sovereignty belongs unequivocally to the people, not to government officials. She warned that Nigeria’s hard-won democracy cannot survive if the conscience of its citizens is continually silenced.
“Every act of repression against one citizen diminishes the liberty of all,” she wrote, urging Nigerians to unite and rise in strong defence of their hard-earned democratic rights and civil liberties before the space for dissent is entirely closed.