Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent arrest, detention, and prosecution of 76 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement.
Atiku criticized the government’s actions, pointing out that even children have been subject to what he calls Tinubu’s “wickedness,” referring to him as “T Pain.” Reports indicate that a minor collapsed during court proceedings, allegedly due to malnutrition and inadequate care while in detention.
Posting on his X platform (formerly Twitter), Atiku expressed deep concern, saying, “A troubling video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has come to my attention. The appalling sight, evocative of a Nazi concentration camp, highlights the low regard this administration has for vulnerable lives, particularly children.”
He stressed the importance of safeguarding children’s rights, invoking Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act, which enshrines the dignity and protection of every child. Quoting from the Act, he stated, “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…nor shall any child be subjected to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Atiku also criticized the delayed arraignment of the children, remarking, “These children are being prosecuted over #EndBadGovernance protests from August, but their arraignment only happened three months later. This delay raises concerns about the conditions they’ve endured while in detention.”
Reflecting on Tinubu’s past role in pro-democracy protests, Atiku expressed disappointment, noting, “A leader who once championed democracy is now condemning those who peacefully protest against the hardships caused by his policies. Children, heavily affected by these policies, have every right to peaceful protest as provided by both the Constitution and the Child Rights Act.”
Atiku concluded by stating, “The appalling conditions in which these children appeared in court only underscore the very reasons they protested.”
