The Presidency has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his recent comments regarding the #EndBadGovernance protests that were aimed at addressing issues of hunger and poverty in Nigeria. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, made his remarks on Tuesday via a post on X.
In his statement, Atiku warned Nigerian military leaders and service chiefs that those who authorize the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters could be held accountable for crimes against humanity, even after they retire. He emphasized that the constitutional right to protest is protected by Nigeria’s supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. According to Atiku, it is the responsibility of both the government and security agencies to create a safe environment for citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest.
However, the Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga responded to Atiku’s comments by urging him to follow the example of opposition politicians in the United Kingdom. Onanuga noted that British opposition figures have rallied behind their government in condemning recent riots in the UK. He suggested that Atiku should show similar support for the government’s stance on the protests in Nigeria.
Onanuga criticized Atiku for not addressing the violent incidents that occurred during the protests, including looting and damage to property. He pointed out that Atiku’s comments failed to acknowledge the destruction that took place in several states, including Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and Jigawa. According to Onanuga, as a statesman, Atiku should have focused his warnings on the groups responsible for turning what was meant to be a peaceful protest into a violent upheaval.
Onanuga’s statement also implied that Atiku’s failure to denounce the violent actions undermines his credibility and responsibilities as a leader. He argued that Atiku’s criticism of the use of force against protesters overlooked the broader context of the protests, which included significant unrest and property damage.
The exchange highlights a growing division between the current administration and opposition figures over how to address and respond to civil unrest. The Presidency’s critique of Atiku reflects concerns about the impact of his statements on national unity and the handling of public demonstrations. Meanwhile, Atiku’s emphasis on protecting the right to protest underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting constitutional freedoms.
