Federal Capital Territory Senator Ireti Kingibe has criticized the Nigeria Police for their heavy-handed approach towards peaceful protesters in Abuja.
Senator Kingibe stated that the protesters remained non-violent until personnel from the FCT Police Command fired live ammunition and tear gas canisters at them.
The Senator emphasized that there was no violence, looting of public infrastructure or shops, or any criminal activities from the protesters. Her remarks came in response to the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests and followed her earlier statements, which had generated significant reactions.
In a tweet earlier on Sunday, Senator Kingibe expressed her distress over the violent clashes between the Nigerian police and protesters in the capital. She called for dialogue and alternative solutions to end the cycle of violence, urging a focus on protecting lives and property.
“My heart is shattered seeing the devastating violence and destruction unfolding between the Nigerian police and protesters, especially in our federal capital. It’s time for us to come together, engage in dialogue, and find alternative solutions to this senseless cycle of violence. We must prioritize protecting the lives and properties of both our government and our people,” she tweeted.
“As the senator of the good people of the FCT and a mother, I feel the pain and anguish of our citizens, and I am deeply saddened by the injuries and loss of life. My thoughts are with those who are suffering, and I pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace. Let us work towards healing, recovery, and rebuilding our beloved Nigeria. We must find a way to engage our citizens and address their concerns, ensuring that we don’t continue to lose our children to senseless violence. Let’s move forward together, with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to peace and understanding. It is time to engage for good governance.”
In response to criticism from social media users accusing her of politicizing the issue, Senator Kingibe clarified that the protesters in Abuja, particularly at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, were demonstrating peacefully until police intervention.
“I have read most of the comments to my earlier tweet today and for the record, let me categorically state that the protest in the Federal Capital Territory remained peaceful until the police launched an attack, firing tear gas and shots at the protesters. To the best of my knowledge, there were no reports of any shops being looted or vandalized in Abuja,” she asserted.
