By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention that led to the release of 76 minors detained over their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
A joint statement signed by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, commended President Tinubu for responding to national and international calls for the children’s release.
The youths had been facing serious charges, including terrorism, treason and arson before their release.
Following the president’s directive, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, quickly assumed control of the case, resulting in the termination of the charges.
The caucus, however, while praising the president’s action, called for accountability and investigation into those responsible for what it described as “despicable, callous and inhuman” treatment of the young detainees.
The statement emphasised that any individual or institution involved in detaining the children for nearly 95 days must be held accountable, highlighting the disruption to their education and vocational training, and the reputational harm to Nigeria.
The minority caucus also urged authorities to consider the psychological trauma and health challenges the youths may have endured.
It called for immediate reformatory support, including therapy and medical care, to aid the children’s reintegration into their families and communities.
Additionally, it recommended reparation packages for the children and their families to mitigate the distress and hardship caused by the prolonged and unlawful detention.
