Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the Federal Government to reintegrate and educate all minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, warning of legal action if the government fails to comply.
This request was made during the launch of Richard Akinnola’s book, Judicial Terrorism, on Tuesday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
Falana stated that the government’s decision to withdraw charges against 119 people, including 29 minors, was insufficient.
Falana emphasised the significance of rehabilitation and education for the teenagers who should have been attending school throughout the protests.
He emphasised that the government’s responsibility is specified in the child rights law, which requires free and compulsory education for all children in Nigeria.
The senior lawyer said, “Just this morning before this program 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 court, unlike last week.
“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.
“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.”
At the book launch, a panel of renowned figures discussed the book’s implications and the current status of government in Nigeria.
Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, claimed that the worst eras in Nigerian history may be over, asking citizens to stay united and avoid internal strife.
He reminded Nigerians about the dreadful realities in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasising the significance of national unity.
Kukah stated, “We might assume that the worst times in our history are over. But let us remain united. What we have is a treasure.
“This is a great country, and people have laid down their lives for it. We often take it for granted, not realising what it means to be without a country.
“What did the people of Gaza do? What did the people of Lebanon do? We hear stories of disasters affecting hundreds of thousands daily.
“But in Nigeria, we are turning the knife on ourselves. Moving forward, it’s important for Christians to develop the spirit of forgiveness, understanding that nothing happens outside God’s will.”
