*Task leaders on children’s safety, education
By Olugbenga Salami
Northern senators have commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt action in ordering the release of minors arrested and detained for participating in the nationwide protests against hunger and high cost of living, tagged #EndBadGovernance protests which eventually became violent in some states, leading to looting and destruction of property in some states in August this year.
The lawmakers, under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum, NSF, chaired by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC Katsina Central), also thanked leaders from the region for their efforts in securing the minors’ release, saying however, that they must prioritize the safety and education of Northern children.
President Tinubu had on Monday directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to terminate the charges against the accused persons, most of who are said to be minors and prohibited by law from facing such trial, while the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda should see to their welfare.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday eventually terminated the treason charges brought against the protesters by the Inspector General of Police upon its withdrawal by the Attorney General of the Federation on behalf of the federal government.
In a statement issued by the NSF late on Monday and signed by its chairman, the Forum noted that the President’s decision demonstrates that he’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian youth.
“By his directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release process, this is a welcome development, and we appreciate the president’s leadership in addressing this critical issue.
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of leaders in the North who have worked tirelessly to secure the release of these minors. Their dedication and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing this matter to the forefront, and we are grateful for their commitment to the welfare of our young people.
“As we move forward, I urge leaders in the North to prioritize the safety and education of our children. It is essential that we create an environment where they can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation. Let us work together to ensure that our youth receive the support and resources they need to become active contributors to Nigeria’s growth and development,” Senator Yar’Adua stated.
It would be recalled that outrage by many Nigerians, especially civil society organizations and human rights activists, trailed the arraignment of 76 suspects, including 32 minors, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests from August 1 to 10, calling on the federal government to drop charges against the defendants.
The defendants, who have been in detention for three months, were arrested in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT; Kaduna, Gombe, Plateau Katsina, and Kano States.
They were arraigned by the Inspector General of Police on 10 counts bordering on treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria and inciting to mutiny by calling on the military to take over the government from President Tinubu, among others.