Buba Galadima, a former ally turned critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, says those who had a hand in the shooting of peaceful protesters will be severely punished one way or the other.
Nigeria has been a focus of global attention since soldiers stormed the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on October 20 and allegedly shot many protesters, some of whom later died.
The Nigerian Army initially denied that its men were at the scene. However, it later backtracked, saying that soldiers were deployed at the scene but they did not shoot at protesters.
There have also been controversy over the role played by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the presidency in deploying soldiers to the scene of a peaceful protest.
Read Also: Nigeria passing through very, very challenging times – Femi Adesina
Reacting, Buba Galadima told Daily Sun that those involved would “cry” after leaving office.
According to him, the presidency could not reasonably deny knowledge of the soldiers’ presence at the scene.
He emphasised that every Nigerian has a right to peaceful protest, noting that late foremost human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi secured a judgement of the Court of Appeal emphasising the right to peaceful protest.
He noted that the authorities never apoeealed the judgement against the controversial Public Order Act.
Buba Galadima said, “Don’t worry; just let them leave public office, all those who had a hand in it will cry with tears.
“I hope the US and UK will make good their words to ban anybody who has a hand in the shooting from travelling into their countries.
“In addition to that, all their assets should also be frozen and their immediate and extended families denied entry visa.
“The law is that no soldier should fire any bullet without the express approval of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”