Former Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the use of excessive force by security personnel against peaceful demonstrators all over Nigeria. The demonstrations raged in different states like Calabar, Yobe, Delta, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Adamawa, Lagos and Rivers.
Atiku referred to the situation as “absolutely unacceptable” and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship. He emphasized that it was important to remind the government and security agencies of their responsibility to provide a safe environment for citizens to exercise their right to protest without fear.
The Former Vice President called on the international community including the United Nations (UN) and International Criminal Court (ICC), to monitor the Nigerian situation closely and make sure its leaders and security structures become accountable. He reaffirmed his advice, urging protesters to never resort to violence but always organize themselves into peaceful groups during public demonstrations.
According to Atiku, anyone engaged in looting or destruction of private/public property should be isolated from other protestors and subjected to the law enforcement process as such actions undermine genuine protests.
Amnesty International and HURIWA are among human rights organizations that have condemned the excessive use of force against protesters.
