Atiku condemns Tinubu over arrest of child protesters

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the arrest, detention, and arraignment of 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters

Atiku condemns Tinubu over arrest of child protesters

Atiku condemned the federal government’s actions, highlighting that even minors have been caught in what he describes as Tinubu’s “wickedness,” referring to him as “T Pain.”

According to Vanguard, a minor reportedly collapsed in the courtroom due to suspected malnourishment and inadequate care.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku expressed his outrage: “A disturbing video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on orders from the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has come to my attention.

The horrific scene, reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp, once again reflects the disregard this government has for the lives of the vulnerable, especially children.”

Atiku emphasized the need to protect children’s rights, citing Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act, which affirms every child’s right to dignity.

He quoted the Act, saying, “Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be subjected to physical, mental, or emotional injury, abuse, neglect, or maltreatment, including sexual abuse; nor shall any child be subjected to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”

He also criticized the delayed arraignment of these minors, stating, “These children are being prosecuted for their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place between August 1 and August 10, 2024.

If they are only now being arraigned three months later, one can only imagine the dehumanizing conditions they have endured during detention.”

Reflecting on Tinubu’s past as an activist, Atiku expressed disappointment, noting, “It is disheartening that a leader who once fought for Nigeria’s democracy and led protests is now demonizing those who peacefully protest against his harsh policies.”

Atiku concluded by stating, “Children, deeply affected by these policies, have every right to protest peacefully, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Child Rights Act.

A nation can be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. The conditions under which these children were brought to court only reinforce the justification for their protest.”

A disturbing video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has been brought to my notice.

The horrible scene reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp once again reflects the low premium the… pic.twitter.com/Qru6X05nSV

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) November 1, 2024

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