Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for detaining and prosecuting minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
GWG.ng reports that Atiku responded after the minors were arraigned by the Nigeria Police on allegations of treason against the Tinubu administration during the hunger protest in August.
Reports indicate that four malnourished minors collapsed in court during their appearance, having been held for three months. Atiku expressed his concern about this incident in a statement, calling the video of the minors collapsing “disturbing,” chiding the Tinubu administration over the development.
Atiku, who previously ran for president with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), found it unacceptable that Tinubu, who has claimed to champion Nigeria’s democracy and participated in protests himself, is now targeting individuals who demonstrate against his administration’s harsh policies. He remarked, “A disturbing video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has been brought to my notice.”
He described the scene in court as reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp, emphasizing how little value the current government places on the lives of vulnerable groups, particularly children. He referenced the Child’s Rights Act, stating, “Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment, including sexual abuse; subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Atiku pointed out that the minors are being prosecuted for their involvement in the protests that occurred between August 1 and August 10, 2024. He raised concerns about the conditions they endured while in detention, suggesting that the three-month delay before their arraignment indicates severe mistreatment. He said, “I find it reprehensible that a man who claims to have fought for Nigeria’s democracy and had led protests now demonises those who decide to demonstrate against the effects of his harsh and draconian policies.”
He further argued that children, who are disproportionately affected by these policies, have the right to protest peacefully as protected by the Constitution and the Child Rights Act. He concluded, “A nation can be assessed by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens. It is saddening that even underage children are not spared from the wickedness of Tinubu.” He added that the conditions in which the children were brought to court underscore the very reasons for their participation in the protests.
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