Womanifesto, a coalition comprising over 300 women-led organizations and civil society groups, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent directive concerning the release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests. In an open letter signed by notable organizations including 9jafeminista, Action Aid Nigeria, and the Ade Grange Child Foundation, the coalition praised the president’s decision as a vital step towards safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who revealed that President Tinubu had instructed the release of all detained minors. This directive also mandates the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to oversee the welfare of these children. Idris stated, “The President has directed that all minors be released and reunited with their families, no matter where they are in the country.” Furthermore, a committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the minors’ arrests and detentions, with the promise of accountability for any involved law enforcement officers.
While Womanifesto lauded this directive as a commendable response to the plight of detained minors, they underscored the necessity for deeper reforms within Nigeria’s justice and law enforcement systems. The coalition highlighted the systemic failures that allowed for the unjust detention and mistreatment of these children, pointing out that conditions in detention facilities have exposed minors to neglect, malnutrition, and abuse. “The fact that these detentions were allowed reveals deep-rooted failures in our system that disregard children’s rights and dignity,” the letter stated, drawing attention to Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In its open letter, Womanifesto outlined critical demands for ensuring justice and promoting human rights in Nigeria. These include the unconditional release and rehabilitation of all detained minors, along with a call for comprehensive reforms in law enforcement and the judicial system. They urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that all children are treated in accordance with the Nigerian Child Rights Act and international standards, reinforcing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
The coalition also raised concerns about Nigeria’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), warning that the treatment of these minors could tarnish the country’s international reputation. Prominent legal experts, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun, have condemned the prosecution of these minors as a “shameful aberration.” Womanifesto echoed this sentiment, urging the Attorney General to dismiss all charges against them and advocating for accountability within the police force. The coalition envisions a Nigeria where every child is valued and protected, calling for urgent attention to human rights issues to uphold the principles of democracy and justice for all citizens.
