Civil society organisations (CSOs) have commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the release of malnourished minors who were detained as a result of the #EndBadGovernance protest.
According to the CSOs, by instructing the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to ensure the immediate release of the minors, the president had shown commitment to the plight of the children.
The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, had announced the president’s commitment to reuniting the affected minors with their families.
The CSOs which include CISLAC, Transparency International and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) said they welcomed the president’s decision, praising his willingness to investigate the circumstances leading to their arrest and to hold responsible security personnel accountable.
Additionally, the CSOs urged President Tinubu to extend this directive to other detained protesters, fostering greater national unity, justice, and demonstrating a government open to addressing the citizens’ grievances.
In a statement signed by their leader, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the CSOs called for two major reforms to Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Firstly, the CSOs emphasised the need for comprehensive judicial reform, particularly targeting corruption within the judiciary.
“To restore hope and stability in our country, we must ensure that only judges with integrity serve on our benches,” the CSOs stated.
“A reformed judiciary will not only strengthen the rule of law and democracy but also increase confidence among international investors, who seek a transparent and fair justice system,” the CSOs added, noting that the involvement of corrupt public officials and election riggers with some judges to undermine justice poses a significant threat to the country.
The CSOs also underscored the importance of police reform, particularly in recruitment and service deployment. Noting issues of police misconduct, including instances of brutality and corruption, the organization stressed that only through a merit-based and transparent recruitment process can Nigeria build a police force that serves and protects the public responsibly.
“By rooting out corrupt elements within the police, we can foster a positive partnership between citizens and the police, which is essential for national security,” the CSOs added, highlighting the need for improved police welfare, training, due promotions, and retirement benefits.
The CSOs also praised the directive assigning the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee the rehabilitation and safe return of the minors to their families.
This move, according to the CSOs, reflects the President’s commitment to addressing humanitarian issues with compassion.
They also encouraged the empowerment of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to actively engage Nigerians, providing civic education and promoting active citizenship.
“An informed and engaged citizenry is crucial for national progress,” the CSOs said, expressing optimism about the President’s earlier pledge to establish a dialogue with Nigerian youth to address their concerns about poverty, corruption, insecurity, and limited opportunities—a commitment made during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The CSOs urged the President to move forward by setting concrete structures for the dialogue.
“The President must surround himself with reliable, impartial advisors to ensure that this initiative genuinely addresses the root causes of youth discontent and prevents any sycophants from derailing the purpose,” the CSOs added.
They reaffirm their support for any government efforts aimed at genuine reform and improved governance, urging the President to continue listening to the people and addressing their demands for justice and accountability.
