Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come under fire from the current administration following his recent tweet warning security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists posing as protesters.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, took sharp aim at Abubakar’s comments.
Onanuga accused the former vice president of diminishing his own status by allegedly supporting what he described as “destructive” protests.
He argued that Abubakar’s warning was misdirected, suggesting that it should have been aimed at the rioters who have allegedly hijacked peaceful protests in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and Jigawa states.
Onanuga emphasized that Nigeria’s security forces have shown restraint and professionalism despite facing extreme provocations from the rioters.
“We are surprised that Alhaji Atiku is still relying on Section 40 of our constitution (as amended) to justify a protest that is now clearly a riot,” he stated.
Onanuga referred to Section 45 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows for the abridgement of rights to assembly and expression in the interest of public peace and safety.
The Nigerian Constitution provides for the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression under Section 40.
However, Section 45 allows for these rights to be restricted under circumstances deemed necessary for public safety, law, and order.
The administration’s stance is that the unrest exceeded the bounds of peaceful protest, thus justifying a more stringent response from security agencies.
According to Onanuga, the Service Chiefs and other security personnel have maintained their commitment to upholding constitutional rights while also ensuring public safety.
He commended the security forces for their patriotic efforts and expressed disappointment with Abubakar’s support for what he perceives as a continuing riot.
“The Service Chiefs and the officers and men of our security outfits should be commended for their patriotic duty to our country,” Onanuga stated.
