Atiku condemns use of live ammunition on peaceful protesters in Kano, Abuja

Atiku Abubakar has condemned the use of live ammunition against citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance in Kano and Abuja.

Describing the incidents as “utterly intolerable” and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship, Atiku emphasized the responsibility of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for citizens to 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,” said Atiku.

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 for their actions.

Reaffirming support for the right to peaceful protest, Atiku called on demonstrators to reject violence and isolate those engaging in looting and destruction of property. “By indulging in such acts, they undermine the legitimate protests and play into the hands of those who oppose their right to protest,” Atiku stated.

Finally, Atiku called on President Tinubu to demonstrate true leadership by addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people.

His statement on x.com reads;

‘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