The Nigerian presidency has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his recent remarks regarding the #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement released Tuesday, the presidency described Atiku’s comments as “absurd” and questioned his stance on the ongoing unrest.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued the response via his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Onanuga took issue with Atiku’s warning to security agencies against using lethal force on looters and arsonists participating in the protests.
Onanuga stated, “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, a rampage in some parts of the country.”
The presidential aide emphasized that the right to assembly and freedom of expression are not absolute, citing Section 45 of the constitution.
He argued that these rights can be restricted in the interest of public safety and order.
Onanuga praised the security forces for their professionalism and restraint in the face of “extreme provocation by the rioters.” He noted that service chiefs had reaffirmed citizens’ rights to protest while also asserting their constitutional duty to maintain order.
“The service chiefs and the officers and men of our security outfits should be commended for their patriotic duty to our country,” Onanuga declared.
The presidency accused Atiku of being a “supporter and enabler” of the destructive protests, suggesting that the former vice president wanted the unrest to continue despite clear warning signs.
“A tweet that condoned the destruction of private and public property, and investments of citizens was unbecoming of a former vice president,” Onanuga added.
The statement called on Atiku to prioritize national stability over potential political gains from the street protests. Onanuga urged the opposition figure to emulate the bipartisan approach taken by UK politicians in condemning similar riots in their country.
“Such nationalistic temperament as displayed by opposition figures like Rishi Sunak, the immediate-past Prime Minister of UK is expected of Alhaji Atiku,” Onanuga said.
