Afrigather The Nationwide Youth Alliance (NYA) has stated that it’s deeply disturbed by the latest acts of persecution and undue hardship imposed on younger Nigerians who bravely exercised their constitutional proper to protest underneath the #EndBadGovernance motion.
In an announcement, NYA President, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas stated that among the many 76 people detained following the August 2024 protest, a number of have been minors, a few of whom have been denied fundamental human dignity and justice by each the Nigerian judicial system and the federal government.
In response to the assertion signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, made obtainable to newsmen in Kaduna, NYA stated, “In a call that has drawn widespread condemnation, presiding Choose Justice Obiora Egwuatu set bail at an exorbitant N10 million per defendant.
“This extreme quantity is accompanied by rigorous circumstances, together with the requirement for every detainee to current two surety—one being a civil servant of a minimum of grade stage 15 with a verifiable deal with inside the court docket’s jurisdiction, and the opposite a mother or father of the accused.
“These circumstances are, frankly, unrealistic and discriminatory, particularly for extraordinary residents exercising their proper to peacefully demand change.
“This onerous bail not solely seeks to financially cripple the households of those younger Nigerians however serves as a transparent try and discourage civic participation by instilling worry amongst those that dare to voice reputable grievances.
In response to latest well being issues, the federal government momentarily withdrew expenses towards 5 of the detained minors. This short-term reprieve got here after a tragic scene unfolded in court docket, the place a number of youths fainted as a result of extreme well being points arising from weeks of detention. Witnesses within the courtroom described a distressing sight, with younger detainees fainting and attorneys dashing to their support. Stories point out that these minors had not eaten for days and confirmed seen indicators of malnourishment and ill-treatment.
This deplorable remedy of minors—a few of Nigeria’s most weak residents—is unconscionable and highlights a troubling disregard for human rights and the rule of legislation. Reasonably than exhibiting compassion and respect for the rights of the younger, the Nigerian judicial system and authorities have chosen to prioritize punitive measures over the well-being of their residents. The fainting of minors in court docket ought to be a wake-up name to authorities that their insurance policies should not simply unjust, however inhumane.
The Nationwide Youth Alliance requires quick reforms to make sure the safety of younger Nigerians’ rights and calls for the unconditional launch of all detained protesters, significantly minors. We urge the federal government to deal with the foundation causes of civil discontent quite than suppressing the voices of those that search a greater future. Moreover, we name for an investigation into the remedy of those detainees, guaranteeing that these answerable for the inhumane circumstances confronted by these younger Nigerians are held accountable.
Our nation’s youth deserve a authorities that listens, respects, and responds to their issues—not one which makes an attempt to silence them via intimidation and monetary hardship. We stand firmly in solidarity with the detained protesters and their households, and we are going to proceed to advocate for justice, accountability, and significant change.
The Nationwide Youth Alliance reiterates that civic engagement is a proper, not against the law. The federal government’s actions on this case threaten to undermine the democratic material of Nigeria, sending a harmful message that voices for change shall be met with harsh retribution. We name on all Nigerians to face with us in demanding justice and the safety of our rights.
