Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over unanswered questions surrounding the October 20, 2020, Lekki tollgate shooting and the rising cost of living, demanding accountability for the incident and urgent measures to ease Nigerians’ economic hardship.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks on Tuesday in a post on his X account to mark six years since soldiers opened fire on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos.
He questioned who authorized the shooting, arguing that Nigerians were still waiting for a clear explanation and accountability for the incident.
“Six years after the Lekki shooting, Nigeria is still waiting for a clear answer to one devastating question: Who gave the order?” Atiku asked.
The former vice president also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s response to the incident in 2020, saying the focus appeared to have been on questioning the protesters rather than demanding accountability for the violence.
He said the unresolved questions surrounding the shooting had deepened public anger and distrust, particularly among young Nigerians who participated in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
Atiku accused the All Progressives Congress-led government of failing to address the concerns raised by the incident despite being in power for the six years since it occurred.
He argued that a government had a fundamental responsibility to protect citizens’ lives and provide answers when questions arose over the use of force against peaceful protesters.
Beyond the Lekki shooting, Atiku linked the lingering demand for justice to the economic challenges confronting young Nigerians, citing high petrol prices, declining purchasing power, and shrinking employment opportunities.
He said petrol selling at about ₦1,405 per litre had increased the burden on households, making transportation, food, education, and housing increasingly difficult to afford.
Atiku illustrated the pressure on workers with the account of a young woman who reportedly resigned from her job because her salary could no longer cover her transportation expenses.
He said the situation reflected a troubling reality in which some Nigerians could no longer afford the cost of travelling to work despite being employed.
The ADC presidential candidate criticised the government’s economic policies, arguing that promises of economic renewal had not translated into meaningful relief for many households.
He said his proposed economic recovery plan would focus on improving affordability through support for domestically refined fuel, increased local production, protection for minimum-wage earners, student support, and reductions in government waste.
Atiku maintained that young Nigerians deserved both accountability for the Lekki shooting and an economy in which employment could provide a decent standard of living.
“Young Nigerians deserve the truth about Lekki. They deserve a government that protects life, and an economy that gives work a chance to lead somewhere,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to address the unresolved questions surrounding the shooting and introduce policies capable of improving living conditions, creating opportunities, and restoring public confidence.