Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said he condemned the
use of live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad
governance, as witnessed in Kano and Abuja.
Atiku described it as a heinous act, stressing that it was
utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.
In a statement on Saturday via his X handle, the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the last general election
urged the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and secure
environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.
He, therefore, 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.
Atiku said: “I vehemently condemn the heinous act of using
live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance, as
witnessed today in Kano and Abuja. This is utterly intolerable and reminiscent
of the dark days of military dictatorship.
“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.
“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.
“I urge 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.
-AA”
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