Former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, voiced strong criticism against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration over the recent detention and arraignment of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Atiku expressed his disapproval of the government’s handling of these young protesters, describing the conditions as inhumane and accusing Tinubu’s administration of disregarding the rights of children.
Reports have surfaced detailing the plight of 76 protesters who have been detained and are now facing trial for their involvement in peaceful demonstrations held between August 1 and August 10, 2024.
Among the arrested are minors, some of whom have reportedly faced poor treatment while in custody. During a recent court proceeding, a child reportedly collapsed, which critics attribute to malnutrition and the inadequate care provided to the detained protesters.
This incident has further intensified the debate over the treatment of these individuals by the authorities.
In a post shared on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), Atiku condemned the government’s approach to dealing with the young protesters, 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 come to my attention. The horrible scene, reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp, once again reflects the low value this government places on the lives of the vulnerable, especially children.”
Highlighting the importance of children’s rights, Atiku referenced Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act, which emphasizes the protection of children from abuse, neglect, and degrading treatment. He stressed that every child has a right to dignity and should not be subjected to harm, either physically or emotionally. According to Atiku, the treatment of these children runs counter to these protections enshrined in Nigerian law.
“The children are being prosecuted for their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests that occurred between August 1 and August 10, 2024. If they are just being arraigned three months later, one can only imagine the dehumanizing conditions they have endured during their detention.”
He expressed his disappointment that a leader who once fought for Nigeria’s democracy and led protests is now demonizing those who peacefully protest against the impacts of his harsh policies.
“Children, who are among the most affected by these policies, have every right to protest peacefully, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Child Rights Act. A nation can be assessed by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. It is saddening that even underage children are not spared from the wickedness of T Pain,” he said.
Atiku concluded by stating, “The disturbing conditions under which the accused children were brought to court only reinforce the justification for their participation in the protests in the first place.”
