Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has issued a stern caution to Nigeria’s service chiefs and military commanders regarding the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters.
Atiku emphasized that those who authorize such force will be held accountable for crimes against humanity, even after their retirement from service.
He highlighted that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right enshrined in Nigeria’s supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. This right is crucial for democratic expression and must be safeguarded.
Atiku issued this warning on his official X handle, he stated, “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 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,” he added.
There have been growing concerns over the treatment of protesters and the importance of upholding democratic freedoms in the face of potential abuses of power.
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