Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the detention of minors implicated in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Frank condemned the judiciary’s handling of the situation, describing it as “judicial tyranny.”
In a statement issued from Abuja, Frank emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “The President must ditch bureaucracy at this time and immediately order the release of these children with a directive that they be enrolled in school.”
He criticized the current conditions faced by the minors, who have reportedly been held for over 90 days, and likened their treatment to “cruelty to children,” particularly in light of the N10 million bail imposed on them.
Frank pointed out that many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, prioritize rehabilitation and education over incarceration for minors.
“Even in Western countries, children convicted of serious crimes aren’t sent to jail but receive psychological therapy and rehabilitation,” he remarked.
Further criticizing the judicial process, Frank accused the judiciary of being compromised and contributing to the children’s plight.
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He specifically targeted Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, labeling the lack of timely intervention as a “delayed tactic” that exacerbates the suffering of the minors.
Frank has also called on international child rights advocates to take action, urging them to support the education of Nigeria’s estimated 20 million out-of-school children.
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