Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly emphasized that deploying soldiers to suppress civil rights protests is inappropriate. He made this assertion while commending the Nigerian Army for its swift action in detaining the soldier involved in the tragic death of a young protester. Atiku lauded this move as a significant step toward ensuring accountability and preserving the rule of law in the country.
Atiku has been a vocal advocate for the responsible use of military force. He has consistently advised service chiefs and military commanders that under no circumstances should lethal force be used against peaceful protesters. His stance on this issue highlights the importance of respecting human rights and the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully express their grievances.
The former vice president stressed the need for adherence to rules of engagement, even in situations of conflict. He reiterated that soldiers should never be deployed to suppress civil rights protests, as doing so undermines the democratic principles that Nigeria stands for. Atiku’s remarks underscore the delicate balance that must be maintained between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of citizens to peacefully protest.
Atiku expressed his sorrow over the loss of life during the protests, acknowledging the grief and anger that such incidents can provoke. He said, “I am heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester’s life.” This statement reflects his belief that recognizing and addressing such tragedies is a crucial step in fostering trust between the military and the public.
He went on to call for thorough investigations into not just this incident but also other instances of violence perpetrated by the military, police, and other security agencies during protests. Atiku’s call for accountability extends beyond this single incident; he urged for a comprehensive review of the actions of all security forces during civil rights protests to ensure that justice is served and that such tragedies are not repeated.
In his statement, Atiku highlighted the importance of upholding the principle of accountability within the military and other security agencies. “The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this unfortunate incident marks a commendable step towards accountability and preserving the rule of law,” Atiku said. His words emphasize the need for those in positions of power to be held responsible for their actions, particularly when those actions result in the loss of innocent lives.
Atiku’s consistent advice to military leaders has been clear: the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable. His message has been one of caution, urging the military to avoid actions that could escalate tensions and lead to unnecessary violence. By advocating for restraint and adherence to the rules of engagement, Atiku is calling for a more measured and humane approach to dealing with civil unrest.
He also noted that accountability is not just about punishing wrongdoers but about ensuring that the systems and protocols in place are followed correctly. This approach, he believes, will help prevent future incidents of violence and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected. “Upholding the principle of accountability is paramount, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, hopefully, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle,” he stated.
Atiku’s stance is rooted in his belief that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive if the rights of all citizens are respected and protected. He has long been an advocate for civil liberties and has consistently spoken out against the use of excessive force by security agencies. His comments on this issue are a continuation of his commitment to promoting justice and fairness in the country’s governance.
In addressing the broader implications of this incident, Atiku pointed out that the deployment of soldiers to suppress civil rights protests sends the wrong message to the public and could lead to further unrest. He argued that such actions could erode the public’s trust in the military and other security agencies, making it more difficult to maintain peace and order in the long run.
“Even amidst conflicts, it is crucial to adhere to rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests,” Atiku said. This statement reflects his belief that the military’s role should be to protect citizens, not to oppress them. He warned that the misuse of military power could have serious consequences for the country’s stability and urged the government to reconsider its approach to handling civil rights protests.
Atiku’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with numerous challenges, including rising tensions between the government and civil society. The former vice president’s call for accountability and restraint is a reminder of the need for a balanced and just approach to governance, one that respects the rights of all citizens and upholds the rule of law.
Atiku Abubakar’s call for the military to adhere to rules of engagement and avoid the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters underscores the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between security and civil liberties. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political landscape, Atiku’s advocacy for justice and accountability serves as a crucial reminder of the principles that should guide the nation’s leaders.
