A senior lecturer on the Federal College of Kashere, Gombe, Dr Tukur Yemi, has expressed deep concern over current experiences of minors, aged 10 to 18, dealing with treason prices for collaborating in a starvation protest.
Yemi careworn that these younger Nigerians, who aimed to voice their frustration over circumstances they really feel are failing them, now face extreme authorized penalties usually reserved for adults concerned in critical legal offences.
In an open letter dated 3 November, made out there to journalists over the weekend in Gombe, Yemi urgently appealed to the Federal Authorities to rethink these prices and launch the kids instantly and unconditionally, as none had been present in possession of dangerous gadgets or engaged in violent acts.
“I attraction to your sense of justice and compassion, urging you to launch these youngsters instantly and unconditionally. They require understanding and steering, not punishment, as they navigate the world round them. Our judicial system ought to shield their proper to specific themselves, particularly when their considerations pertain to points that immediately impression their lives and futures,” he stated.
In current situations, Dr Yemi highlighted how people searching for reintegration into society after advocating for regional rights had been proven leniency and finally launched, demonstrating the potential of a good and compassionate method. He questioned why a harsher response was being meted out to youngsters who had dedicated no violent act and merely sought to be heard.
In accordance with the previous Head of Division at FUK, “Nigeria has lengthy been often called the ‘Large of Africa,’ a rustic wealthy in variety, resilience, and spirit. Our nation’s popularity is outlined by how we deal with essentially the most weak amongst us, together with our youth. The extended detention and prosecution of those youngsters for peaceable protest not solely raises moral considerations but additionally dangers drawing worldwide criticism, affecting how Nigeria is considered on the worldwide stage.”
“These younger Nigerians didn’t commit acts of violence nor search to overthrow the federal government; relatively, they merely raised their voices for a greater future. Lots of them have now spent 93 days in police custody with out trial, lacking faculty and affected by insufficient meals. Throughout current courtroom appearances, experiences point out that a number of youngsters appeared visibly weak, with some even fainting from starvation and thirst. To equate their peaceable protest with treason dangers alienating our youth and sends the mistaken message about their position in our society,” Yemi stated.
Yemi famous that by responding with compassion and releasing the younger Nigerians, the federal government wouldn’t solely protect Nigeria’s dignity but additionally reaffirm its dedication to democracy, human rights, and the significance of listening to its residents. “Allow us to reveal to the world that Nigeria stays a beacon of hope, justice, and resilience for all its individuals,” he added
