The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has made an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to order the release of minors among the 76 individuals charged by the Nigeria police for their involvement in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
Call for Action
In a statement released on Friday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized the police for detaining minors under harsh conditions for over 80 days. He highlighted that these minors appeared malnourished during their arraignment, raising serious concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to protecting children’s fundamental rights. Onwubiko stated, “This show of shame has also exposed Nigeria as a nation that goes to the United Nations to declare that it has abolished torture but the minors who were brought to court have created the opposite impression about Nigeria’s commitment to abolish torture” 14.
Global Implications
The group emphasized that the situation reflects poorly on Nigeria’s global image and questioned whether the country has descended into lawlessness akin to Burma. HURIWA called for international scrutiny, urging the United Nations subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to revisit Nigeria and investigate reports of torture in state detention centers 12.
Disturbing Court Proceedings
Reports from the court indicated a distressing scene where several minors fainted during proceedings. The group condemned this as a significant moral failure, stating that one minor collapsed before being provided with basic sustenance 24. HURIWA urged President Tinubu to take decisive action by not only releasing these minors but also ensuring their rehabilitation through education or vocational training programs 56.
A Plea from a Parent
Onwubiko appealed directly to President Tinubu as a parent, urging him to consider the long-term consequences of these actions on Nigeria’s reputation. He stated, “We are saying let bygones be bygones and the President should immediately release these children” and facilitate their reintegration into society through education and skill development 15.
Conclusion
HURIWA’s plea highlights critical human rights concerns in Nigeria amid ongoing protests against governance issues. The association’s call for immediate action underscores the need for accountability and respect for fundamental rights in the face of increasing governmental repression.
