The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Has blasted the one time vice president, Atiku Abubakar. Over his recent tweet.
The tweet, which has warned the security agencies. Of using lethal force against looters and arsonists. Who disguised as protesters.
Atiku made a post on his X handle, on Tuesday night. He kicked against the use of lethal force against the protesters. Calling for end of bad governance in the country.
The former vice president. Said that security heads should be held responsible. For shooting of peaceful civilian protesters. By Soldiers and other security operatives.
The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023. 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. They should be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity. That is, even in the years following their retirement from service.”
In his statement. He called on all security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for the protesters. Adding that is is their constitutional rights to protest.
Responding in a statement to Atiku. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Alleged that, Atiku’s shows his endorsing the violent protests happening. In several states like, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and Jigawa.
He said Atiku’s warning should have been directed to the looting mob. And not to the security agencies.
The statement read:
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar this evening tweeted the absurd. He warned security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists who masqueraded as protesters. As a statesman, his warning ought to be to the looting mob in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa states, This are people who hijacked what was advertised by organizers 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. We are surprised that Alhaji Atiku is still relying on Section 40 of our constitution (as amended) to justify a protest that is now clearly a riot. There is rampage in some parts of the country.”
“But, the section 45 of the constitution says the right of assembly and the right of freedom of expression are not absolute. They can be abridged and fettered in the interest of public peace and public safety. Law, and order.”
“So the Service Chiefs reiterated the rights of Nigerians to protest and gather freely. They, however, reinforced their constitutional duty, today. Of which they said they can not sit by idly and watch hoodlums destroy the country and its democracy.”
“So the Service Chiefs and the officers and men of our security outfits should be commended. This is because of their patriotic duty to our country.”
“So, as a supporter and enabler of the destructive ‘protests’. Alhaji Atiku certainly wants the sinister protest to continue even with the red signals from the streets.”
“Because this tweet condones the destruction of private and public property. And investments of citizens, which is unbecoming of a former vice president of Nigeria.”
“Alhaji Atiku ought to have risen above the sentiment he expressed. And he should put the interest of our country’s stability ahead. Because, whatever advantages he hoped to reap from the insurrection on our streets.”
“We encourage Alhaji Atiku to borrow a leaf from opposition figures in United Kingdom. They have rallied behind the government to condemn the ongoing riots in UK. And they are calling for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the wanton destruction of public and private assets. So, such nationalistic temperament as displayed by opposition figures like Rishi Sunak. Who is the immediate-past Prime Minister of UK. This is expected of Alhaji Atiku.”
