By Adesina Wahab

Concerned Parents and Educators, CPE, Network, has decried the arraignment of malnourished minors over the #EndBadGovernance protest that rocked the country last August.

The CPE, in a statement by the Coordinator, Mrs Yinka Ogunde, made available to Vanguard, noted that rather than detaining such minors for over three months, the government ought to have taken the education of the minors as a priority.

The group advised the government to release the minors without further delay.

“The Concerned Parents and Educators (CPE) has condemned the recent arraignment of malnourished minors before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

“These minors are accused of participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.

“CPE strongly condemns the prosecution of these minors, who have been held in detention for over three months.

“The minors, arrested across various locations including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states, face 10 counts charged by the Inspector General of Police. The charges include treason, intent to destabilize Nigeria, and inciting mutiny by allegedly calling on the military to overthrow the government led by President Bola Tinubu.

“The protests, spanning from August 1 to 10, were a nationwide demonstration against economic hardship and poor governance. Protesters demanded reduced governance costs, the reinstatement of petrol subsidy, food security, and enhanced fiscal discipline.

“CPE urges the government to prioritize education and training for these minors rather than subjecting them to incarceration.

“We believe that providing educational opportunities and development programmes is crucial in nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.”