By Adamu Muhammad Dan Hajiya
Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed shock and condemnation over the recent arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja. The minors were allegedly involved in the End Bad Governance Protest.
In a statement, Senator Kwankwaso highlighted the dire conditions of the children, noting that they appeared malnourished and in need of medical attention. “These children, who are obviously malnourished and need medical attention, have been subjected to a cruel experience when they should be in school,” he said.
The Senator criticized the unusual nature of arraigning such a large number of minors, stating that it violates the principles of human rights and dignity. “The arraignment of such several minors in their states is highly unusual and negates every tenet of the protection of human rights and dignity,” he added.
Kwankwaso emphasized the responsibility of leaders to protect the most vulnerable members of society, including children, women, the elderly, and the needy. He condemned the government’s role in this violation, saying, “As leaders, we must protect the most vulnerable among us, particularly children, women, old and the needy. And the government should not be at the forefront of this violation.”
The Senator also expressed outrage over the stringent bail conditions set for the minors, describing them as absurd. “I am particularly appalled by the stringent conditions set for their release. It is absurd that a teenager is ordered to source for 10 million Naira and a grade 15 civil servant for bail,” he stated.
Citing the Child’s Rights Act 2003, Section 11, Kwankwaso reminded the authorities of their duty to protect the dignity of every child and shield them from any form of abuse or neglect. “The Child’s Rights Act 2003, Section 11, protects the dignity of every child and protects them from any physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment,” he noted.
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Senator Kwankwaso called on the relevant authorities to review the charges against the minors immediately, allowing them to return to their families and continue their education. “I request that the relevant authorities should immediately review their charges so that they can go back to their families and be responsible citizens,” he urged.
In his concluding remarks, Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to focus on addressing critical issues such as banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, unstable electricity, and harsh economic policies, rather than detaining children.
“Finally, I would like to call on the Federal Government to face the challenges of banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, lack of stable electricity, and excruciating economic policies rather than putting children behind bars,” he concluded.