A notable northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has said that the arrest of minors who participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest was the handiwork of those who want to sabotage President Bola Tinubu’s government.
To this end, ATT urged Tinubu to bring those who want to sabotage his government to book and deal with them according to the laws of the land.
The group charged Tinubu to also sit up because, according to the group, such saboteurs are all out to frustrate the 2027 second-term bid of Mr President, adding that, “Tinubu should be aware of fifth columnists in his government.”
The group also called on government appointees, especially ministers, to wake up to their responsibilities and defend the government because they are part of President Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement, the convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said, “Those who have axe to grind with President Bola Tinubu should not use the arraignment of these minors as an opportunity to lampoon the government. The president should stand up firm now and deal with those who have encouraged this embarrassment.”
Recall that reactions have continued to trail federal government’s decision to arraign minors who participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest in court.
The ATT said, “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 the 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 the detention of minors.
“We are alarmed by the distressing condition of the 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 treatments and 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 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 the Nigerian Police to transfer the case file to the office and hand it over 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.”
