Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has expressed deep concern over the treatment of seventy-six protesters from the #EndBadGovernance movement, who appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
The group has been in detention since August, facing serious charges including alleged treason and conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria.
In a statement shared via his X handle, Atiku remarked on the disturbing video footage showing malnourished minors being arraigned in court, stating, “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 current government places on the lives of the vulnerable, especially children.”
Highlighting the rights of children, Atiku referenced Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act, which ensures the dignity of every child.
He emphasized, “Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person… no child shall be subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
The protesters are being prosecuted for their involvement in demonstrations that occurred between August 1 and August 10, 2024.
Atiku questioned the timing of their arraignment, suggesting, “If they are just being arraigned three months later, one can only imagine the sort of dehumanizing conditions they had been subjected to during their detention.”
He condemned the government’s actions, stating, “I find it reprehensible that a man who claims to have fought for Nigeria’s democracy and had led protests now demonizes those who decide to demonstrate against the effects of his harsh and draconian policies.”
Atiku also defended the right of children to protest peacefully, declaring, “Children who are the most affected by these policies have every right to protest peacefully, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Child Rights Act.”
He concluded with a powerful statement on the moral fabric of the nation: “A nation can be assessed by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens. It is saddening that even underage children are not spared from the wickedness of T Pain.”
The video of the protesters, particularly the minors who struggled to stand in court, has drawn widespread condemnation and concern about their treatment under the current administration.