President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by ordering the immediate release of all minors arrested and facing trial in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests. This significant directive was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Ibrahim Idris, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
According to Idris, the President has not only mandated the immediate release but has also instructed that all charges against the detained minors be dropped. This move signals a bold step toward reconciliation and addressing concerns over the treatment of protesters and young citizens involved in civil activism.
The #EndBadGovernance protest gained momentum as a social movement aimed at drawing attention to issues of governance and accountability in the country. The demonstrations saw widespread participation from various age groups, including youth, and were met with a robust response from security forces. The arrests of some minors during these events had sparked criticism and calls from human rights organizations for their release.
Ibrahim Idris noted, “President Tinubu’s directive is a demonstration of his commitment to justice and humane governance. The President believes that young Nigerians must not face undue punishment for their involvement in peaceful calls for better governance.”
This development comes amid Tinubu’s efforts to position his administration as one that listens to the concerns of citizens and takes measured steps to address them. It also serves as a signal that the government is willing to act in the interest of human rights and the well-being of the nation’s youth.
Critics and human rights advocates have cautiously welcomed the news, describing it as a positive step but urging the administration to ensure broader reforms in handling civic protests and detentions in the future.
Details surrounding the release process and the timeline for the dropping of charges are expected to be provided in subsequent government briefings.
