Nationwide Protests: Follow UK’s Opposition Example, Presidency slams Atiku
The Presidency has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s remarks following the #EndBadGovernance protests, where he cautioned the federal government against violating the rights of Nigerians protesting against hunger and economic challenges.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement late Tuesday, urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate from the 2023 general elections to emulate opposition figures in the United Kingdom “who have rallied behind the government to condemn the ongoing riots in the UK”.
Onanuga criticised Atiku for not condemning the looting and destruction that accompanied the nationwide protests in Nigeria.
Atiku, on Tuesday, denounced the use of lethal force by security operatives against peaceful protesters, stating that those authorizing it would be held responsible for crimes against humanity.
He said, “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 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,” he added.
Responding to Atiku’s comments, Onanuga stated, “As a statesman, his (Atiku’s) 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.”
Onanuga commended the security operatives for their professionalism in handling the ongoing nationwide protest. He noted that while Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right to protest, Section 45 states that this right is not absolute and can be restricted in the interest of public peace, safety, law, and order.
He added, “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.”
