By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned the nation’s Service Chiefs that they would be held responsible even after their retirement over the deaths of #EndBadGovernance protesters.
Reports indicate that at least 40 protesters have been killed by trigger happy security operatives who have been desperate to quell the protest especially in the North.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku reminded the Service Chiefs that protest is a constitutional right of citizens and anyone of them who authorized lethal force against the protesters would be held responsible even after their retirement from service.
The statement reads: “I wish to convey a stern caution to the distinguished service chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria’s armed forces that those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service.
“The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. It is the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest.”