Atiku Abubakar Denounces Tinubu Administration’s Treatment of Young Protesters

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he refers to as “T Pain,” for his administration’s handling of young protesters. In a social media statement, Atiku condemned the recent arrest, detention, and arraignment of 76 #EndBadGovernance demonstrators, including minors, arguing that Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated “wickedness” toward vulnerable citizens.

Citing a video showing malnourished minors in federal court, Atiku Abubakar expressed profound disappointment at the treatment of children by the Tinubu-led government. Describing the courtroom scene as reminiscent of “a Nazi concentration camp,” he criticized the federal government for disregarding the welfare of vulnerable children and accused it of disregarding their basic rights.

Courtroom Collapse of Minor Highlights Protesters’ Alleged Neglect

The situation took a dramatic turn when a minor reportedly collapsed in the courtroom during the arraignment proceedings, with critics attributing the incident to severe malnutrition and neglect while in detention. According to reports from Vanguard, the minor’s condition has intensified public outrage, drawing attention to the conditions under which young detainees are held.

The public’s reaction to this incident has intensified calls for accountability, with various civil society organizations and activists highlighting the need for humane treatment of all detainees, particularly minors. Many argue that the government’s approach contradicts Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, which explicitly outlines protections for children’s dignity, safety, and well-being.

Atiku Abubakar Cites Child Rights Act to Condemn Government’s Actions

Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of the Tinubu administration was bolstered by references to Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, specifically Section 11, which guarantees every child “respect for the dignity of his person.” He highlighted that the Act forbids subjecting children to “physical, mental, or emotional injury, abuse, neglect, or maltreatment,” emphasizing that children have a constitutional right to freedom from inhumane treatment.

The former vice president argued that prosecuting minors for their involvement in protests violates these protections, especially given the government’s three-month delay in arraignment. He emphasized that the lack of timely legal proceedings likely exposed the detained children to prolonged periods of suffering, an accusation that has deepened public scrutiny of the administration’s policies.

Children’s Right to Protest Must Be Protected, Atiku Abubakar Asserts

Atiku Abubakar also defended the children’s right to protest, stating that the Constitution and Child Rights Act guarantee such freedoms, especially for those affected by government policies. He asserted that Nigeria’s treatment of its youngest citizens reflects the country’s moral standing and argued that the government’s harsh response to these protests undermines the nation’s commitment to democratic principles.

Addressing the government’s alleged crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, Atiku Abubakar lamented that President Tinubu, once a prominent pro-democracy activist, is now criminalizing those who voice concerns over harsh economic policies. He closed his statement by emphasizing that the adverse conditions under which these minors were brought to court highlight the validity of their protest and the need for reform in the treatment of young Nigerians under Tinubu’s administration.

Public Outcry Intensifies Against Government’s Treatment of Children

Atiku’s condemnation of the arraignment has ignited a wave of public backlash. Citizens took to social media platforms to share their disapproval, with many questioning the government’s approach to justice. A Twitter user, identified as @baffax, voiced concern over the arbitrary arrests, sharing an instance of a boy allegedly detained for merely passing by the protest. Another user, @friedx, criticized the government, echoing Atiku’s comparison to a “Nazi concentration camp” and condemning the perceived indifference to children’s welfare.

The public’s reaction has amplified calls for an investigation into the conditions faced by the detained minors and a reassessment of the government’s approach to handling peaceful protests. Atiku’s statements and the widespread condemnation from Nigerians underscore the urgency of addressing the treatment of children in the judicial system and protecting their rights as guaranteed by law.