Twenty-four hours after cautioning Nigeria’s service chiefs against the use of lethal force on protesters, former vice president Atiku Abubakar has reiterated that the military chiefs adhere to the rules of engagement while dealing with those on the streets.
In a statement on X, the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections also called for investigations into the recent killings of protesters in northern Nigeria.
The presidency had earlier berated Atiku for his previous warning to the service chiefs.
The former vice president, however, ignored the statement and stressed the need for the rules of engagement to be respected by Nigeria’s security agencies.
His words: ”I am heartened by the acknowledgement by the Nigerian Army of the tragic incident involving the loss of a young protester’s life.
”May I also suggest that other killings that have taken place by either the military, the police and other security agencies during the #EndBadGovernanceProtest be investigated in the same spirit of accountability.
”The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this regrettable event is a commendable step towards ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law.
”My longstanding advice to the service chiefs and military commanders has been clear: there must be no authorization to use lethal force against peaceful protesters.
”The principle of accountability must be upheld at all times, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, I trust, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle.
”Even in times of conflict, it is imperative to adhere to the rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be involved in the suppression of civil rights protests.”
