Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, has condemned the use of live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance, as witnessed in Kano and Abuja.

Atiku described it as a heinous act, stressing that it was utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.

In a statement on Saturday via his X handle, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the last general election urged the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.

He, therefore, urged the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.

Atiku said: “I vehemently condemn the heinous act of using live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance, as witnessed today in Kano and Abuja. This is utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.

“It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their paramount duty to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.

“When security forces open fire on innocent protesters, they do nothing but exacerbate tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos. I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities.

“I urge the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.

“I reaffirm my counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence.

“Those engaging in looting and the destruction of public and private property must be isolated and prosecuted according to the law. By indulging in such acts, they undermine the legitimate protests and play into the hands of those who oppose their right to protest.

“President Tinubu must demonstrate true leadership by immediately addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people. -AA”