#EndBadGovernance protests: Peter Obi calls for investigation into inhumane treatment of minors
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the mistreatment of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August.
In a statement on his X platform (formerly Twitter), the former Anambra State governor called on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, along with the Police, DSS, and National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate the handling of these minors.
Reports suggest that one minor collapsed from malnutrition during court proceedings, sparking widespread criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Many are now urging the release of the detained protesters.
“I just watched disturbing and condemnable scenes captured in a circulating video showing 124 protesters, including minors, appearing in court today to secure the enforcement of their fundamental rights,” Obi stated. “The footage reveals minors so weak they could barely stand, with others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment. These children appeared visibly malnourished—a condition that should alarm the conscience of every citizen in our nation.”
He emphasized that these minors were poorly treated while in federal custody.
“The offense alleged against these suspects, including minors, is protesting against bad governance that directly affects their livelihoods—a right guaranteed by our constitution under a democratic dispensation. Ironically, many in government today previously championed this constitutional right while in opposition.”
Obi underscored the need for dignity even for those in custody, stating, “Our legal framework assumes that suspects deserve humane treatment, even in correctional facilities. This situation is concerning because we are part of a global community that values human dignity.”
He expressed appreciation for the presiding judge’s decision to halt the trial, which prevented further embarrassment for Nigeria as a democratic nation.
“I urge relevant authorities, especially the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, the Police, the DSS, and the National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate this inhumane treatment of minors to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he concluded.