The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has warned service chiefs and military commanders against authorising the use of lethal force against #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters.
In a post via his official X handle on Tuesday, Atiku said the security heads would be held liable for the shooting of peaceful civilian protesters by soldiers and other security operatives.
He wrote: “I wish to convey a stern caution to the distinguished service chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria’s armed forces that those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service.”
The former Vice President called on the security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for the protesters, adding that it is their constitutional right to protest.
He added, “The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary.
“It is the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest.”