A former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, warned service chiefs and military commanders against using lethal force against protesters calling for an end to bad governance in the country.
Atiku in a post shared on his X handle, noted that the security heads would be held liable for the shooting of peaceful civilian protesters by soldiers and other security operatives.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 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.”
Atiku in the statement also 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.”
