Former Vice President Calls Out Harsh Treatment of Young Protesters, Urges Respect for Child Rights in Nigeria
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the Nigerian federal government’s recent arraignment of minors involved in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. His statement comes after 76 protesters, including visibly malnourished minors, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Obiora Egwuatu set bail for the minors at N10 million each, raising significant concern over the treatment of young protesters in the country.
On social media, Atiku expressed his alarm over the situation, saying, “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. This scene, reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp, reflects the current government’s disregard for vulnerable lives, especially children.”
Atiku emphasized the protections outlined in the Child’s Rights Act, urging the government to respect the dignity of children, as required by law. “The Act guarantees that no child shall be subjected to physical, mental, or emotional injury, neglect, or degrading treatment,” he noted, highlighting that detained minors are being prosecuted three months after their participation in peaceful protests against hardships and economic challenges.
In a broader critique, Atiku questioned President Bola Tinubu’s approach, stating, “It’s reprehensible that a man who once led protests and fought for Nigeria’s democracy now punishes those demonstrating against the severe impacts of his policies.” He argued that children, most affected by the country’s challenging socio-economic climate, have every right to protest peacefully.
Summing up his concerns, Atiku emphasized, “The disturbing condition under which these children were brought to court underscores the very justification for their protest in the first place.” He concluded by appealing to the government to release the minors, asserting that a nation’s values are reflected in its treatment of its most vulnerable citizens.
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