The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his remarks regarding the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests, which highlighted issues of hunger and economic challenges in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga urged Atiku to emulate opposition figures in the United Kingdom, who have united to condemn the ongoing riots there.
Onanuga accused Atiku of failing to denounce the looting and destruction that followed the nationwide protests.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, had posted on social media emphasising the constitutional right to protest and warning military commanders against using lethal force on peaceful protesters.
“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 stated on X.
“The constitutional right to 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.”
In response, Onanuga said, “As a statesman, his (Atiku) warning ought to be to the looting mob in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa states, who hijacked what was advertised by organisers as a peaceful protest.”
“Our security forces have remained professional, even-handed, and observed every restraint in the face of extreme provocation by the rioters,” he added.
Onanuga highlighted that while Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right to protest, Section 45 allows for this right to be limited in the interest of public peace, safety, law, and order. He commended the security forces for their professionalism.
“We encourage Alhaji Atiku to borrow a leaf from opposition figures in the United Kingdom who have rallied behind the government to condemn the ongoing riots in the UK, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the wanton destruction of public and private assets.
“Such nationalistic temperament as displayed by opposition figures like Rishi Sunak, the immediate-past Prime Minister of the UK is expected of Alhaji Atiku,” Onanuga said.
