Zulum frowns at release of #EndBadGovernance protesters, says they should have be in remand to serve as deterrent to others
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Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed displeasure over the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government’s decision to release some minors arrested during the August #EndBadGovernance protests.
At least 119 people, including 30 minors, were charged with treason and inciting a military coup after they took part in deadly protest.
However, the minors’ arraignment sparked public outrage and criticism of the government after they were paraded in court on February 2, 2024.
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On November 6, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja struck out two separate treason charges preferred against 119 persons.
The court terminated further proceedings in the charges after the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, withdrew them.
But speaking on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Governor Zulum criticised the federal authorities for what he described as a missed opportunity to instil discipline in the younger generation.
According to him, “I was not happy with how the Federal Government released the minors who were arrested during the August #EndBadGovernance protest. Though I’m happy about their release, the Federal Government should not have charged them with treason.”
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“However, instead of completely freeing them, they should have been taken to a remand home or rehabilitation center. This would have served as a deterrent, preventing them from engaging in protests in the future,” Zulum added.
Meanwhile, it was reported earlier that Vice President Kashim Shettima claimed Nigeria lost over N300 billion during the recent #EndBadGovernance protest as he asked the freed minor protesters to turn a new leaf.
Shettima, speaking after the release of the minors, declared that his principal, President Bola Tinubu, directed the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to facilitate the release of the minors facing trial for treason on compassionate grounds.
He also said the nation lost over N300 billion from the destruction and halting of economic activities orchestrated by the protesters.
Shettima said there was incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions of some of the protesters which the actors themselves uploaded.
The Vice President spoke while receiving the minors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after their charges were dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
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He said: “President Bola Tinubu instructed the release of the suspect on humanitarian grounds, despite incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions, some of which were uploaded by the actors themselves.
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“Regarding this evidence, the President, as the father of the nation, is giving these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria.
“I would like to admonish you, young men, not to allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property because over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly private property and loss of businesses.
“I will urge you, I will advise you, you are our children, to use the opportunity of the President’s magnanimous gesture in ensuring that you overcome and become responsible citizens who will contribute to the growth of the society.
“I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across political divide, what binds us together as citizens of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides us.
“I will call on our two governors and our representatives into a single cause, and ensure that these subjects are rehabilitated and reintegrated to the fabric of our communities.”
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Full Story: https://www.intelregion.com/news/zulum-frowns-at-release-of-minor-protesters/
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