Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, expressed his support for the Nigerian Army’s acknowledgment of a tragic incident involving the loss of a young protester’s life. In a statement on his verified Twitter account, Abubakar called for thorough investigations into other instances of violence by the military, police, and other security agencies during protests, emphasizing the importance of accountability.
Abubakar’s comments come in response to the Nigerian Army’s decision to detain the soldier responsible for the incident. He praised this move as a commendable step towards accountability and the preservation of the rule of law. Abubakar reiterated his consistent advice to service chiefs and military commanders, stressing that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorized.
“Upholding the principle of accountability is paramount,” Abubakar stated, applauding the Nigerian Army’s actions in apprehending the soldier. He expressed hope that the soldier would be prosecuted in alignment with the fundamental principle of accountability.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, has brought attention to the conduct of security forces during civil rights protests. Abubakar emphasized the necessity of adhering to rules of engagement, even in times of conflict. “Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests,” he insisted, highlighting the need for security forces to respect and protect the rights of citizens to peacefully demonstrate.
Abubakar’s call for accountability and justice reflects growing concerns about the use of excessive force by security agencies in Nigeria. His statement underscores the critical importance of ensuring that security forces operate within the bounds of the law and respect the civil rights of all citizens….Sêe_Morē