The former Vice President of Nigeria and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2024 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Waziri Adamawa), has vehemently condemned the use of live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance. Taking to his official social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), Atiku described the act as heinous and utterly intolerable, reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.
Atiku emphasized the government’s and security agencies’ paramount duty to ensure a safe environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear. “When security forces open fire on innocent protesters, they do nothing but exacerbate tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos. I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities,” he stated.
The former Vice President 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 for any human rights violations. He reaffirmed his counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence.
“Those engaging in looting and the destruction of public and private property must be isolated and prosecuted according to the law. By indulging in such acts, they undermine the legitimate protests and play into the hands of those who oppose their right to protest,” Atiku added.
Atiku concluded his statement with a call to President Tinubu to demonstrate true leadership by immediately addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people. “This is a critical moment for our nation, and it requires decisive and compassionate leadership,” he urged.
In these turbulent times, Atiku’s plea highlights the need for a balanced approach to governance that respects the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order.
PIONEER NEWS 