Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, has strongly denounced the use of live ammunition against #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kano and Abuja on Saturday.
News About Nigeria reports that the former vice president described the killings as “heinous act.”
Reports indicate that unidentified individuals opened fire on protesters and journalists within the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, prompting widespread panic and a scramble for safety.
In a personally signed statement, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate said that firing on peaceful protesters is completely unacceptable and evokes memories of the oppressive military regime era.
He emphasised the importance of upholding the right to peaceful assembly and expression, condemning the use of excessive force against citizens exercising their democratic rights.
Speaking out against this incident, Atiku took a firm stance in support of the protesters and in defence of their fundamental human rights.
“It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their paramount duty to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear,” Atiku said.
“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.”
Atiku urged 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.
“I reaffirm my 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.
“President Tinubu must demonstrate true leadership by immediately addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people,” the former vice president added.
