Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has strongly criticized the government’s handling of #EndBadGovernance protesters, particularly focusing on the minors who were brought to court in Abuja on Friday.
He emphasized that the constitution grants citizens the right to protest against poor governance that adversely affects their lives.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi called for a thorough investigation into the treatment of the minors, labeling it a disgrace to Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
He expressed his horror at a video showing 124 protesters, including minors, appearing in court, highlighting their efforts to assert their fundamental rights.
Obi noted the troubling conditions depicted in the footage, where many minors appeared so weak they could barely stand, with some fainting due to exhaustion and lack of nourishment.
“These children looked visibly malnourished and deprived, an alarming sight that should awaken the conscience of every citizen in our nation,” he stated.
He further criticized the treatment of the minors while in federal custody, asserting that the allegations against them for protesting against governance issues that directly affect their livelihoods are protected under the constitution in a democratic society.
“Ironically, many current government officials previously championed this constitutional right while in opposition,” Obi remarked.
Obi expressed gratitude to the presiding judge for halting the trial, stating that it helped prevent further embarrassment for Nigeria as a democratic nation.
He urged relevant authorities, including the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate the inhumane treatment of minors to prevent similar incidents in the future.
