LND calls for release of detained minors over ‘bad governance protest’

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The League of Northern Democrats has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the release of the minors charged for treasonable offence due to their participation in end bad governance protest.
Frowning at the development,the group opined that sending children already vulnerable and voiceless to detention in such conditions stands in contrast to the principles of compassionate society.
Making the appeal in a letter dated 2nd November 2024, titled; “Appeal for the Release of Detained Minors from Northern Nigeria” addressed to president Bola Tinubu, the league expressed deep concern over the recent detention and prosecution of children.
In the letter, the league urged Tinubu to consider their compassionate release by invoking the values of justice, mercy and statesmanship that his office represents, explaining that,the children were driven by their experience of the harsh realities of life in the nation.
“Many of them are under the age of 16, with some even as young as 10 years old. While their participation in these protests may have been unorthodox, we submit that, their actions reflect the innocence of youth grappling with conditions that no child should have to endure.
“Their call, however rudimentary, was a plea for a brighter, more just Nigeria – one in which they might have an opportunity to grow and thrive!
“As a nation committed to the rule of law, it is vital that we uphold due process, especially in cases involving minors. While the children now face charges that carry heavy penalties, we strongly contend that their youthful actions, shaped by hardship, do not constitute a credible threat to society. Moreover, Your Excellency, we must recognize that these children come from impoverished backgrounds in a region that gave the most support in your election.”.