OPINION
Why Government Move To Punish Minors Alleged To Have Participate in Protest Is Wrong
By Comrade Suleiman A. Abubakar
In the wake of the nationwide protests that took place from August 1 to 10, 2024, calling for an end to bad governance in Nigeria, we find ourselves grappling with an egregious violation of human rights: the systemic abuse and punishment of minors who dared to exercise their right to peaceful assembly. Under the leadership of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government has taken alarming steps that not only undermine democratic principles but also directly threaten the welfare and dignity of our children.
During these protests, countless minors were arrested, detained, and subjected to maltreatment. Reports emerging from various detention centers reveal that these young individuals faced hunger and inadequate medical attention, a blatant violation of the Child Rights Act of 2003, which enshrines the right to protection and care for children. Article 24 of this Act explicitly states that every child has a right to adequate food, clean water, and healthcare. Yet, under the current administration, these fundamental rights are being disregarded.
It is unconscionable that a government would punish minors for voicing their concerns over the future of their country. The actions taken by law enforcement not only reflect a failure to protect the vulnerable but also signal a terrifying precedent for the treatment of young citizens in our democratic space. The negligence shown by the authorities in attending to the needs of these children is a stark reminder of the dire state of human rights in Nigeria today.
We call on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), our fellow human rights activists, and international human rights organizations to unite in condemning this abhorrent treatment of minors. The brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, particularly children, warrants an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible. We demand the arrest and prosecution of law enforcement officials who facilitated the detention and maltreatment of these minors during what was supposed to be a peaceful exercise of their constitutional right.
Furthermore, we urge the NBA to take decisive action against RIMANZOTE EZEKIEL, the Counsel to the Federal Government, for his unprofessional conduct in misleading the public and media regarding the treatment of these children. Such deception undermines the integrity of the legal profession and erodes public trust in governmental institutions. We also call upon the Nigeria Judicial Service Commission to impose disciplinary measures against RIMANZOTE EZEKIEL and any judiciary staff who colluded with him in this deception.
The National Assembly must summon Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to answer for the unlawful detention of minors, which is in direct violation of their rights. The Police Service Commission and President Tinubu must hold the Inspector General and all officers involved accountable and terminate their positions to restore public confidence in the police force.
In light of these grave violations, we, the members of the Human Rights Volunteers Network (HRVN), reaffirm our commitment to monitoring this situation closely. We will employ all necessary measures in line with the constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that those responsible for the abuse of minors are brought to justice.
It is imperative that we stand up for the rights of children and all those who seek to express their dissent peacefully. We will not allow the unjust treatment of minors to be swept under the carpet. The future of Nigeria depends on our collective action towards upholding human rights and dismantling the structures that perpetuate such abuses. It is time for the world to hear our cry for justice, and we will continue to amplify our voices until every child’s rights are respected and protected.
Comrade Suleiman is a Human Rights Activist and Founder HRVN
