In the wake of the arraignment of 79 #EndBadGovernance protesters at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, where five minors reportedly collapsed, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to immediately cease the prosecution of these children.
The protesters, many of whom are underage, were detained during the August #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrations and are facing charges of treasonable felony and attempting to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
During their court appearance on Friday, the collapse of five minors caused chaos as lawyers attempted to revive them.
Concerned about this alarming situation, Ezekwesili took to her X account to address Tinubu regarding the prosecution of the protesters. She expressed her dismay, stating:
“What we are witnessing is clear evidence of the Nigerian government punishing its citizens for daring to confront you about the realities of #BadGovernance under your administration.
“No one can resolve a problem they deny and refuse to acknowledge. The call to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria resonates with the vast majority of your citizens.
“How many citizens can you drag to court like these minors? How many can you detain and strip of their freedoms as has been done to these children?
“Listen closely: no ruler has ever triumphed over their people indefinitely. History is replete with examples. I emphasize ‘ruler’ rather than ‘leader.’
“The oppressive class of politicians in Nigeria are not true leaders. You have consistently failed the ‘test of leadership’ by behaving as tyrannical rulers who feel entitled to a lavish lifestyle funded by the public while subjugating and impoverishing the populace.
“Moreover, the blatant corruption within our judiciary, manipulated by the Nigerian government, is evident for all to see. The trial of these minors is merely one of many instances showcasing this reality.
“Immediately halt the unjust prosecution of these minors and return them to their parents and guardians.
“Furthermore, ensure they receive compensation for the physical, mental, emotional, and psychological trauma inflicted upon them due to the abuse of state power and gross violations of their constitutional rights.
“When these children protested to demand an end to #BadGovernanceInNigeria, they spoke the truth—nothing but the truth.
“I hope you begin to heed the voices of the majority of your citizens, especially these children, who are telling you daily: ‘Ebi npawa’ (we are hungry). Nothing lasts forever; today is not eternal.”
