Atiku condemns use of live ammunition on #EndBadGovernance protesters

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the alleged use of live ammunition on #EndBadGovernance protesters by security agents.

He was reacting to reacting to reports on the use of live ammunition on protesters inside the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, by police officers on Saturday.

In a statement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election said the incident was reminiscent of what happened during the “dark days” of military dictatorship in the country.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to show genuine leadership by promptly addressing the demands of the protesters.

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.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now