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 post on his official X account, 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.”
