Reps minority caucus seeks therapy for teenagers arraigned for #EndBadGovernance protest

The minority caucus in the house of representatives has asked the federal government to ensure all minors arraigned over the #EndBadGovernance protest undergo therapy.

In a statement on Thursday, the minority caucus commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the release of the minors.

The lawmakers asked the federal government to
investigate, prosecute and discipline individuals and government agencies “involved in the despicable, callous, and inhuman action that has led to national disgrace, and global condemnation”.

“Anybody and institution that played roles in the hounding of the children into cells for about 95 days when they should be at their respective schools, trades and vocations must be brought to book for necessary public umbrage and punitive measures discharged to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement reads.

“Conscious of the psychological trauma and health challenges the children may have experienced, we appeal that quality reformatory therapy sessions and medical support be advanced to them as they unite with their respective families.”

The legislators also demanded the “immediate reparation packages” should be sent to the children and their families to ameliorate the “untoward hardship, pain, and emotional torture suffered during the period of unlawful incarceration”.

The statement was jointly signed by Kingsley Chinda, leader of the minority caucus; Ali Isa, minority whip; Aliyu Madaki, deputy minority leader; and George Ozodinobi, deputy minority whip.

BACKGROUND

In August, Nigerians embarked on a 10-day protest against economic hardship and spiralling inflation. The rallies turned violent in some parts of the country.

Some protesters were seen waving Russian flags in Abuja, Kano state and Plateau state.

On November 1, the federal government arraigned 76 persons who allegedly took part in the protest, and charged them with treason.

Majority of those arraigned were teenagers who looked malnourished and ill. Four of the minors collapsed in the courtroom on the day.

The arraignment sparked an uproar on social media with strident calls for their release.

On Monday, the president directed Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), to withdraw the charges against them.

On Tuesday, a federal high court in Abuja struck out the suit against 119 persons who allegedly participated in the protest.

On Tuesday, the minors were released and hosted by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House.