By: Isyaka Laminu
Last Friday, social media was flooded with condemnation of the Nigerian government and police over the arraignment of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernanceProtest nationwide on treasonable offence charges. The minors’ appearance revealed evident signs of malnutrition, stemming from starvation during detention, with some collapsing during the hearing and struggling to eat when lawyers offered them biscuits at the court premises.
This incident sparked widespread criticism of the Nigerian Police Force’s inhumane and unprofessional handling of the minors. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) subsequently pledged to investigate the matter.
Human rights advocates, including Barristers Deji Adeyanju, Hamza Dantani, and others, condemned the government’s handling of the matter and demanded the children’s immediate release after the judge set bail at ten million Naira with a level 15 civil servant as surety.
The swift response of Bauchi Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is commendable. They denounced the federal government’s harmful policies and programmes exacerbating Nigerians’ suffering while calling for the children’s release to their parents.
The widespread outcry from Nigerians prompted the federal government, through the Attorney General’s office, to withdraw charges and arrange for Vice President Kashim Shettima to hand over the children to the Kano and Kaduna Governors at the Presidential Villa for reunification with their parents.
It’s commendable how the Kano state government responded to the matter. However, their rehabilitation shouldn’t stop at reunification with parents. These 71 young victims of bad governance deserve support to become productive citizens. I envision medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, and journalists among them.
To achieve this, lawyers who fought for their freedom should be involved in their rehabilitation, potentially connecting them with other victims nationwide to form a formidable force of freedom fighters for generations to come – made easier with technology.
Furthermore, parents must take responsibility for their wards during crises to avoid unnecessary arrests. Police should adopt proper conduct during investigations, avoiding innocent bystanders. Human rights advocates nationwide should address similar injustices, as many languish in correctional facilities, highlighting the need for criminal justice reform.
The federal government, as a matter of serious concern, must reassess its strategies and identify areas for improvement to address growing citizen concerns. It should introduce and implement people-centric policies and programs that prioritize well-being and foster a positive impact on citizens’ lives. Many citizens feel pushed to the wall and are ready to revolt if pushed further, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
This critical reassessment will enable the government to address the root causes of citizen dissatisfaction and implement effective solutions. By doing so, the government can prevent potential unrest and promote a more stable and prosperous society for its citizens.
Isyaka Laminu Badamasi writes from Bauchi.