Legal experts have urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure rehabilitation and compensation for minors detained as a result of the #EndBadGovernance protests, citing violations of child rights laws, writes Onozure Dania
Legal practitioners have called on President Bola Tinubu to take further action after his directive for the release of the minors arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Tinubu had given the directive in response to the public outcry that greeted the arraignment of the minors who also looked starved.
Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had dismissed the case against the protesters following an application by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Upon their release, Vice President Kashim Shettima advised them to turn a new leaf and build responsible futures for themselves.
However, legal practitioners have demanded more actions even after the President’s proclamation and subsequent release of the minors. Among them are a Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu, who stressed the need for comprehensive rehabilitation and compensation for the released minors.
Shittu said, “The president has taken the first step by directing their release, which is commendable. The president should go a step further by rehabilitating, re-orientating, and compensating the victims through comprehensive welfare schemes that address their immediate concerns.
This action would reinforce that he is sensitive to the people’s needs and is ready to meet their expectations.”
