Since the Attorney General of Federation and Nigeria Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) had asked Nigeria Police to transfer the case file of some perceived teenagers in some Northern part of the country believed to have participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest on the 1st of August 2024, different reactions from stakeholders have trailed his interventions.
These divergent comments from stakeholders have made it herculean to some of us in the development space to really differentiate who is on point from those playing to the gallery.
Undoubtedly, peaceful protest is a fundamental human rights of every Nigerian under the 1999 Nigeria constitution as amended. The teenage boys arrested in some Northern states in Nigeria were charged for treason for their various roles in the August 1st protest in line with the same constitution that permit them to protest.
Some people had opined that is there evidence that those arraigned were those that truly vandalised and not minors picked randomly on the street ?
Some talked about the maltreatment of the minors. That since they remain innocent until proven guilty before the court of law, that are they properly cared for ? That do they follow the anti-torture act?
Another stakeholder said;
“Yes, they were wrong to vandalise government property, but is this the best way a government can treat its minors whom have been denied quality education, and good governance?
“Is this the way others who have looted were treated? What has happened to bandits allegedly sharing live locations? There is also something wrong in their arraignment in an adult court.
“You may like to examine Section 204 of the Child’s Rights Act, which states that minors should be subjected to the child justice system.
I see nothing wrong in their arraignment
but I see something wrong in the charge of treason”. He said
A stakeholder on WhatsApp said; “I see something wrong in inhuman detention, I see something wrong on prolonged detention without trial.
Yes, they participated but that does not take away all their rights under the law, it is their turn today, who knows tomorrow?
In contrast, another stakeholder said:
“No, the sponsors will rather be using sentiments against the law. Minors could be arraigned but not sent to adults prison.
“Are they saying that the society should look away if a minor commits a crime and the minor is asked to go and sin no more?
“There are ways to punish anyone who misbehaves. Even babies are chastised in a way that’s appropriate”. He said
Another Stakeholder said
“I saw the list and ages of the children in prison. They are adult. Two or three are below 18. If this is the true situation, let the adults face the full wrath of the law. But if they are minors, those who registered them as adults should be brought to book”. He said
Another stakeholder quoted Martin Niemoller;
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.’-“. End of quote.
In your own view, in the comment session, share with us who is genuinely patriotic and who is playing to the gallery.
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