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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
The Arewa Think Tank (ATT), a prominent Northern group, has attributed the recent arrest and arraignment of minors who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest to “saboteurs” intent on undermining President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Saturday, ATT urged the President to identify and bring these saboteurs to justice, stressing that such actions appear to frustrate his governance and potentially hinder his 2027 re-election bid.
The ATT, represented by its convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, cautioned Tinubu to remain vigilant against “fifth columnists” within his administration.
The group also called on government officials, particularly ministers, to step up in defending the administration.
The federal government’s decision to prosecute minors involved in the protest has drawn significant backlash from Nigerians, sparking debates on the criminal justice system’s handling of youth involved in political protests.
According to ATT, “We want to believe that President Tinubu is not aware of this arrest of this category of children, so we are calling on the federal government to withdraw the charges against them and return them to their States and homes.
“We are not happy about the arraignment of those minors for their participation in protest. It is most unfortunate and shameful for our country’s democracy. But those who were involved in their arrest should have abided by the law of the land against detention of minors.
“We are alarmed by the distressing condition of malnourished children in court, many of whom may not meet the legal age threshold for formal arraignment.
“We are appealing to the Nigerian judiciary to safeguard the rights of minors unjustly detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
“We are also calling on those who arrested the children to protect the Minors from inhumane treatment, attend to their physical and mental distress caused by prolonged detention and malnutrition.
“We want to emphasise the importance of collective action in upholding a vision of Nigeria that values justice, equity, and the rights of every child to a safe and dignified life.
“However, we are satisfied that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has agreed that it has come to his notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the #Endbad governance violent protest in court for various offences including treason.
“We are also happy that the Minister has said that there are some issues his office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable him take an informed decision.
“We are appealing to Nigeria Police to transfer the casefile to the office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) as demanded by the minister of justice.
“We are commending the AGF for directing that immediate machinery be put in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date to a nearer date for the minors.”
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