The Federal Government has been called upon to stop Criminalizing, protests and protesters and to also protect their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
The call was made on Monday by Dr Sani Charles while lenting over the recent abuse of minors accused of raising foreign flags during the End Bad Governance protests across the country.
“While the protests may have been marred by acts of vandalism and the raising of foreign flags, it is imperative to remember that these children are entitled to their fundamental right to protest.
“It is the duty of the government to ensure the orderly conduct of such protests, not to criminalize the youth for exercising their rights.
“Even if these children participated in the protests, it is their constitutional right to do so.
“The government must protect these rights and ensure that any response to protests is measured and just” he stated.
Lamenting over the treatment of the recently released children, he asked the government as to why they chose to mistreat children and allow the organizers of the protests.
“Where are the organizers of the protest? Where are the adults who participated? Are they above the law?
“It appears that the government is targeting vulnerable children while ignoring the actions of those who are of age and should be held accountable.
“These children represent the future of Nigeria. In any sane country, they should be in school, not languishing in detention.
“The failure of leadership has already stolen their future; do not steal their lives as well” he added.
He further described the prolonged detention of minors as not only unjust but also detrimental to their development and we’ll being.
He called on the government to issue a public apology to them, their guardians, and
the Nigerian people for the undue mental and physical trauma caused.
“The government
must also provide compensation to these children and their families for the damages and suffering endured during this period.
“I call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to act with compassion and justice.
“The actions taken against these children will not only tarnish the image of our nation but also undermine the very principles of democracy and human rights that we strive to uphold” he concluded.