BlossomNigeria supports Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, that has urged the Federal Government to reintegrate and educate all minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, warning of legal action if the government fails to comply.
In a notable case of possible child abuse if not properly investigated and prosecuted, Femi Falana emphasised that the government’s decision to drop charges against 119 individuals, including 29 minors, is insufficient. He stressed the importance of rehabilitation and education for the youths who should have been in school during the protests.
He pointed out that the government’s duty is outlined in the child rights law, which mandates free and compulsory education for all children in Nigeria. The senior lawyer said, “Just this morning before this programme commenced, I was in court in Abuja, where 119 Nigerians, including twenty-nine minors, were brought to court. The government was so ashamed that it couldn’t take them to the courtroom, unlike last week”.
He added that “The government came to court this morning to withdraw the frivolous charges. So, the young people have been freed, but as I told the court, it’s not enough to terminate this trial. These young people, who should have been in school during the protests, must be rehabilitated by the government. We will ensure they are rehabilitated and sent to school”.
In his words, which BlossomNigeria lends its voice to, “If the government fails, we will sue the government. It is the government’s responsibility, according to the Child Rights law, adopted and enacted by all states of the Federation”. Section 15 of that law provides that every child in Nigeria shall receive free and compulsory education from primary to secondary school, which the government should be obliged to.
