The recent arraignment of 32 minors alongside 76 other individuals for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests reveals a chilling reality: President Bola Tinubu’s government is veering dangerously close to authoritarianism. The inhumane treatment of these young detainees, who have been subjected to three months of detention without adequate food or care, highlights not only a blatant disregard for human rights but also an alarming trend toward state repression of dissent.
The charges of treason and other serious offenses against these children—some as young as 14—are not only absurd but indicative of a regime willing to weaponize the law to silence its critics. The criminalization of peaceful protestors, particularly minors, is a grotesque distortion of justice. This administration’s actions paint a stark portrait of a government more interested in quelling dissent than addressing the legitimate grievances of its citizens.
In the courtroom, the sight of these malnourished children, some collapsing from the effects of hunger and neglect, was not just a violation of their rights but a tragic symbol of the government’s moral bankruptcy. That four of them required urgent medical attention during proceedings speaks volumes about the conditions under which they have been held. It is horrifying that in a nation claiming to uphold democratic values, we are witnessing scenes reminiscent of authoritarian regimes where dissent is met with brutal repression.
Nigerians from all walks of life are right to express outrage. The Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organizations, and prominent political figures have condemned this abhorrent treatment. Yet, their voices must not be mere echoes in the wilderness. This is a crucial moment for collective action against the encroaching fascism that characterizes Tinubu’s approach to governance. The portrayal of young protestors as threats to national security is a dangerous narrative that must be challenged.
What we are witnessing is a systematic dismantling of the democratic fabric that should protect citizens, particularly the vulnerable. The refusal to acknowledge the rights of minors in the judicial process starkly contradicts both national and international legal standards. It raises urgent questions about the integrity of the country’s judicial system and the values that underpin it.
Tinubu’s administration must understand that governance is not about suppressing voices of dissent but about listening and responding to the needs of the populace. The economic hardship facing many Nigerians, which sparked these protests, is not going to vanish through intimidation or draconian measures. True leadership requires engagement, empathy, and a commitment to justice—none of which is evident in the current government’s approach.
As we move forward, it is imperative that Nigerians remain vigilant. The treatment of these minors is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a broader authoritarian trend that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. We must rally against this tide, demanding accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
The time for complacency is over. The Tinubu government must be called to account for its actions, and the rights of all Nigerians—especially the most vulnerable—must be fiercely defended. If we allow the state to continue down this path unchecked, we risk losing not only our rights but also the essence of what it means to be a civilized society. Let this moment galvanize us into action, for the future of this country depends on the citizens’ ability to confront tyranny wherever it arises.
