The Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Atiku Abubakar has warned service chiefs and military commanders against authorising the use of lethal force against protesters.
Mr. Atiku gave the admonition on his X handle on Tuesday stating that the security heads will be held responsible for the shooting of peaceful civilian protesters by soldiers and any other security agency.
“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,” he wrote.
The former Vice President mentioned that protest is a constitutional right, stressing that it is the responsibility of the government and security operatives to ensure that the environment is secured during protest.
“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.”
