Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has delivered a stern warning to the service chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria’s armed forces regarding their conduct in handling peaceful civilian protests. In a statement made via his X account on Tuesday, Atiku called for accountability and adherence to constitutional rights, emphasizing that the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable.
Atiku’s warning underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting that those who authorize or execute such actions will be held accountable for crimes against humanity, irrespective of when their service occurred. This strong stance reflects Atiku’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring that the actions of security personnel align with legal and ethical standards.
The former Vice President reminded the military and other security agencies that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right enshrined in Nigeria’s supreme law. This right, he emphasized, has been consistently reinforced by judicial rulings and should be protected by the government and security forces.
Atiku’s statement reinforces the responsibility of the government and security agencies to provide a safe and secure environment for citizens exercising their right to protest. His call for accountability is a crucial reminder of the need for respect for human rights and lawful conduct in the enforcement of public order.
This warning comes amid growing concerns about the treatment of peaceful protesters and the need for adherence to democratic principles. By holding military officials accountable and safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly, Atiku Abubakar aims to foster a climate of respect for human rights and democratic governance in Nigeria.
