Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has vehemently condemned the use of live ammunition against citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance in Kano and Abuja.
He described the incident as utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.
Atiku stressed the crucial responsibility of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear. He warned that security forces opening fire on innocent protesters only exacerbates tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos.
“I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities,” Atiku stated.
He called on the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.
Atiku reaffirmed his advice to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence. He emphasized that those engaging in looting and the destruction of property must be isolated and prosecuted according to the law, as such actions undermine legitimate protests and play into the hands of those opposing the right to protest.
“President Tinubu must demonstrate true leadership by immediately addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people,” Atiku concluded.
