In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda, spirit of democracy, national development and leadership compassion, the issue of detained minors has been resolved through the unconditional release directed by the government.
The Tinubu led administration extended the succour and also ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the arrest and detention of the minors no matter how highly placed of the security agencies involved, an indicator that Mr President was not aware of the activities of the overzealous security agencies who carried out the directives against the good intentions of the government.
President Tinubu did not stop there , he also ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the minors involved and subsequently engage all minors in that regard by relevant government agencies.
The positive development has paid off after the visit of the new Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi to confer with the minors and also monitor their conditions against the hue and cry of Nigerians , bodies and individuals.
Imaan's maiden visit to the detention camp of the minors who were arrested and detained as a result of the last protest by Nigerians protest of "EndBadGovernance " organized by protesters out of the consent of the government.
The visit over the weekend first of its kind by a public officer just few days on assumption of duty of the new Minister, had doused the palpable tension that had enveloped the country against the detention of the minors by the overzealous security agencies.
Spending a quality time and hours with the minors who were now the adopted by the government, the Minister exchange words/ pleasantries, advises and also ate and drink with the detained minors with assurance that the federal government will not hesitate to take the necessary legal action that will ensure their immediate release.
While reassuring Nigerians that the new Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is determined to protect not only the rights of children ,but their well-being .
She further promised to liase with the appropriate government agencies, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health , Ministry of Humanitarian, Disaster Management and social services to ensure an uninterrupted rehabilitation of the minors who were involved in the detention incidents.
While reassuring Nigerians of the minors getting immediate justice , through to her words , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered their release and full scale investigation on Monday .
Not resting on her Initiatives , actions and oars, concerted efforts have already been put in place to discourage the use of minors for future events that may likely put their lives at risk in all forms.
Aside government proactive decisions and internal arrangements, the new Minster of Women Affairs and Social Development promised to role out concerted programs that will continue to protect minors away from any unforseen circumstances, unfair treatment, exposures to inactions and overzealous tendencies of thr security agencies in thd course of carrying their statutory functions.
Through to her words, few days after her assumption of duty , her promised all round development and new leadership has began to manifest especially the high score of not only securing the release of the detained minors, dousing the local and international outcries and the assurance of their release, rehabilitation and to abhor future reoccurrence.
She also promised to set up not only a machinery , but an enabling environment to ensure minors are not deployed and cajoled to anti government activities, considering their future and possible mortgage as future leaders of the country.
The patriotic and workaholic decision of the new Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development was a reassurance to Nigerians and the international communities that the future of our minors in Nigeria is bright and not prone to been mortgaged in line with the global standards, promising to carry out an extensive reorientation of our minors to make them productive both to the country, themselves and the society at large.
During her maiden visit to the detained minors in Abuja, the Minister's statement was quoted as follows...
"The Ministry of Women Affairs has expressed deep concern over the recent detention of 52 children who were reportedly arrested on August 3, 2024, during the End Bad Governance protest in Kano and Kaduna States."
"The statement signed by the Minister, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that Public concern about the treatment, safety, and rights of these detained children is duly acknowledged, and the Ministry is taking active steps to address these issues."
"She added that ensuring the rights of every child is paramount, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. Every child, regardless of circumstance, is entitled to protection, dignity, and a fair judicial process under the law."
"Demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of these children, the minister made a personal visit to the detention facility late at night, where she engaged directly with the children."
"In this interaction, she offered comfort, listened to their concerns, and assured them of her commitment to their well-being. The Minister has also held discussions with authorities to ensure the children are receiving appropriate care and that their rights are being safeguarded."
The Statement continues:
“Communications are underway with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and correctional institutions, to ensure that these children’s cases are expedited and heard in juvenile courts as mandated by law."
“Active monitoring of their welfare is ongoing, and the Ministry is collaborating with child rights advocates to ensure no child suffers undue harm, discrimination, or maltreatment.
“Plans are in place to work closely with child protection services to provide post-release psychological counseling, social support, and rehabilitation to facilitate these children’s reintegration into their communities. In partnership with stakeholders, the Ministry is also exploring educational opportunities for the children to support their growth and well-being beyond this challenging experience.
“To further address the public’s concerns, the President has directed the Attorney General of the Federation to review the cases of these minors swiftly. The Ministry is confident that justice will prevail, in alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and the principles of child protection.
“In addition, the Ministry is adopting a Whole-of-Society Approach (WoSA) to address juvenile delinquency. Through collaborative efforts with all relevant stakeholders, the goal is to strengthen existing systems and structures, with a focus on reforming the juvenile justice system.
“Key initiatives will include revising laws to address juvenile delinquency and fostering multi-sectoral engagement to empower communities and authorities to prevent juvenile delinquency across Nigeria."
"The Ministry of Women Affairs assured all concerned citizens that it will continue to advocate for the rights of these children and work tirelessly to secure a just outcome."
“Protecting the rights of all children remains a priority, and every effort will be made to guarantee their safety, welfare, and justice.”
With the Ministers laudable decisions, no doubt it is capable of discouraging minors and encouraging them to engage in meaningful activities going forward, as new dawn is beacon on them .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on [email protected].
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