THE Presidency has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding his remarks on the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests addressing hunger and economic difficulties.
In a statement issued late yesterday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga urged Atiku to emulate opposition leaders in the United Kingdom “who have united with the government to denounce the ongoing riots in their country.”
Onanuga criticized Atiku for failing to denounce the looting and destruction that followed the nationwide protests in Nigeria over the past week.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 election, which was won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his views in a post on X yesterday.
He warned military leaders and service chiefs that those who authorize the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters would be held accountable for crimes against humanity, even after their retirement.
He emphasized that the constitutional right to protest is enshrined in Nigeria’s laws and upheld by the judiciary, urging the government and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for peaceful demonstrations.
However, Onanuga responded by stating, “As a statesman, Atiku should focus his warnings on the looting mobs in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and Jigawa states, who have taken over what was intended as a peaceful protest.”
He commended the security forces for their professionalism and restraint in the face of significant provocation from the rioters.
Onanuga highlighted that while Section 40 of the amended 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to protest, Section 45 indicates that this right is not absolute and can be restricted in the interest of public peace, safety, law, and order.
He urged Atiku to take a cue from UK opposition leaders who have supported the government in condemning current riots, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the extensive destruction of both public and private property.
“Atiku should exhibit the same nationalistic spirit shown by figures like Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister of the UK,” he said.
