Atiku’s aide: Nigerians now see Tinubu’s broken shackle symbol as sign of oppression

Phrank Shaibu, special assistant to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on communications, says Nigerians now see the broken shackle symbol of President Bola Tinubu as a sign of oppression. 

In the build-up to the 2023 general election, Tinubu said the design on his cap is “a broken shackle”.

“We are breaking the shackles of poverty and destitution,” he said had during a campaign event in 2022.

In a statement on Monday entitled ‘De-cap-itated!’, Shaibu said after one year of Tinubu being at the helm, he is far from delivering on his promises to Nigerians and his supporters.

“During the campaign, these caps symbolised Tinubu’s promise to protect human rights, boost the economy, and replicate Lagos‘s success across Nigeria,” the aide said.

“The once-eager vendors who proudly displayed the Emilokan caps at bustling traffic lights and strategic street corners now find themselves burdened by them.

“Once a sought-after item, the caps have become an embarrassing relic for many of Tinubu’s supporters, representing broken promises and a political regime that has shifted towards authoritarianism.

“The disappointment with Tinubu’s administration extends beyond the political sphere.”

Shaibu added that Tinubu’s presidency has fallen far short of the expectations he set during the campaign.