In a significant move, the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Sani Uba, has offered financial support and mobile phones to the recently released #EndBadGovernance protesters.
These protesters, including minors, had been detained for three months after participating in nationwide protests calling for better governance in Nigeria. Their release followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which struck out the treasonous charges filed against them by the Nigerian Government.
The charges were dropped after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) sought to withdraw them, a decision that was influenced by public outcry over the detention of minors, which had sparked national and international condemnation.
The protesters were initially arrested during the height of the #EndSARS movement, which saw Nigerians, particularly youths, demanding an end to police brutality, poor governance, and widespread corruption. The protestors’ freedom came after the AGF’s office filed a motion to discontinue the charges, citing the public backlash over the involvement of minors.
In a court session, Justice Obiora Egwuatu struck out the case after granting the AGF’s request.
This decision marked the end of a long and tense legal battle for the detainees, who had spent months in prison under harsh conditions.
The detained protesters were reportedly malnourished and physically weakened after their lengthy detention.
The minors, in particular, had spent around 90 days in prison, a situation that drew heavy criticism both locally and internationally.
Upon their release, the detainees were handed over to officials from the Kaduna and Kano state governments, who have since taken responsibility for their welfare and rehabilitation.
In recognition of the emotional and financial toll endured by the protesters during their detention, the Kaduna State Government has extended a gesture of goodwill to each of them.
According to a statement from Abdullahi Yunus, the Special Adviser to the Governor on New Media, the government has gifted each released detainee a mobile phone, as many had lost their personal phones while in detention. Additionally, each detainee has been given N100,000 as part of the state’s rehabilitation initiative.
The N100,000 financial support, which was confirmed by Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu, the Secretary to the State Government, is part of the state’s broader strategy to support the reintegration of the protesters into society.
The money is intended to assist the detainees in meeting immediate needs, as they return to their homes and begin to rebuild their lives. For many, this financial aid will provide a lifeline as they adjust to life outside of prison.
Dr. Muazu further outlined the state’s commitment to helping the detainees by offering them opportunities for economic independence.
Some will be given start-up capital to launch their own businesses, while others will undergo vocational training to acquire new skills that will improve their chances of finding employment.
The government has also pledged to explore employment opportunities for some detainees, helping them to secure stable jobs and contribute meaningfully to society.
The rehabilitation program also has a spiritual dimension. According to the SSG, both Islamic and Christian religious leaders have been involved in offering counsel to the detainees.
They have been urged to embrace the teachings of their faiths, avoid bad company, and pursue lives that are in line with the values of their respective religions.
This spiritual guidance is intended to encourage positive behavior and help the former detainees make the most of their newfound freedom.
The emphasis on faith-based teachings reflects the government’s belief in the transformative power of religious values, which can provide a moral compass for the detainees as they transition back into society.
The return of the detainees to their homes is seen as a critical step in their reintegration process.
By providing both financial and moral support, the Kaduna State Government is signaling its commitment to helping these individuals move past their traumatic experiences and build a better future.
The initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of the detainees but also lays the foundation for long-term success by equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in society.
This move by the Kaduna State Government comes at a time when public concern over human rights abuses and the treatment of detainees is gaining traction.
The involvement of minors in the #EndBadGovernance protests had sparked widespread concern, both within Nigeria and internationally.
The government’s decision to drop the charges and support the detainees upon their release can be seen as a step towards acknowledging the importance of protecting the rights of individuals, particularly minors, who find themselves involved in political activism.
In conclusion, the support provided by the Kaduna State Government to the recently released #EndBadGovernance protesters represents a thoughtful and multifaceted approach to rehabilitation.
By offering financial aid, mobile phones, vocational training, and spiritual guidance, the government is demonstrating a commitment to reintegrating these individuals into society and ensuring they have the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
This initiative, while still in its early stages, offers hope for the detainees and sets a positive precedent for future cases of political activism and protest in Nigeria.
Through such efforts, the state is not only helping to heal the wounds of those affected but also contributing to a broader culture of accountability and human rights.
Comments