Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has called on Nigerians to adopt more effective strategies to advance the demands they demand during the protests, while calling on the government to reform governance in the country for better impact. We do.
Against the backdrop of the August 2024 #ENDBADGOVENNESS protests, aggravated by the life crisis prevailing in the country, the group called on security agencies to prioritize non-confrontational and peaceful approach in managing the demonstrations.
The recommendations are contained in the KDI report titled, 'Beyond the Protests: Towards Governance Reforms after the #ENDBADGOVENNACE protests.'
Executive Director of KDI, Bukola Idowu, presented the report on Friday in Abuja.
“Protests are a way people express themselves. While they can bring about change, not all protests lead to violence.
“Our report documents these events to understand their impacts and explore ways to advance the demands raised during the protests beyond street demonstrations,” he said.
He noted that the growth of protests driven by social media has changed the dynamics of mobilization and advocacy.
“We need to create synergy between online and offline efforts to drive meaningful social change,” he said, noting that the upcoming youth conference will explore this shift.
He stressed the need for constructive engagement between the government, civil society and citizens to ensure sustainable governance reforms.
He called for prioritizing dialogue, implementing meaningful policy changes, and upholding human rights and democratic principles.
He urged civil society organizations (CSOs) and media outlets to raise public concerns, promote advocacy, and ensure transparency in governance.
Arrest and prosecution of minors
A panel discussion on the topic, 'Beyond Protests: A New Governance Blueprint,' on the arrest and prosecution of minors charged with sedition following the August 2024 #Badgovernance protests.
The panel included Executive Director of Ward C, Abiola Akiode-Afolabi; Deputy Police Force Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku; a professor of political science at the University of Jos, Victor Adetula; And at the head of surveillance National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)Benedict Agu. Executive Director of Enough Is Enough, Yemi Admolekun, served as moderator.
Panelists agreed that the protests were necessary due to the economic hardship facing the country.
Mr Agu said, “It is true that the law says that any child below seven is not liable to prosecution. But as human rights advocates, we disagree with the police on how those minors were treated. We He was among the first people to interview the children when they were sent.
“The challenge we had was trying to understand the logic behind charging these children with treason. Some of them even fell into court.
“So what should be the basis for a mature law enforcement officer to say that a child who raises the flag of another country is guilty of treason? After all, the law specifies a proper procedure that should have been followed. Why was it not followed? ,
However, Mr Isuku, the deputy police spokesperson, defended the actions of the police, insisting that they acted within legal limits.
Despite the federal government's subsequent admission of blunders in charging the individuals, Mr Isuku said the individuals were not children but teenagers and their prosecution followed the law.
“To date, the Nigerian police have recognized the protests based on the court decision. If you check our press releases during the last #endbadgovernance protests, you will realize that the police are not against peaceful demonstrations.
“When you are under seven years, you cannot be criminally liable. Let's not play to the gallery. We should not throw out the baby with the bath water, because of emotions.
“Are any of the suspects under 12? When you use the word minors, the law is very clear. The procedure for prosecuting minors is outlined in the Child Rights Act. We charged him with what was a serious crime, including treason. ,
A Premium Times lecturer Shown that the Child Rights Act envisages that a child can only be argued or prosecuted in a family or juvenile court.
However, contrary to Mr Isuku's claim, the Juvenile Court is the only authority capable of issuing a valid remand order for the child and determining the appropriate detention facility regardless of the nature of the alleged offences.
In August 2024, due to economic hardship and governance failures, protests led to the arrest of 76 individuals – including tens of thousands of minors – who were charged with treason and inciting a military coup. Was.
NHRC had condemned Prosecuted for sedition of minors who allegedly participated in the recent nationwide #Endgadgovernance protests.
After public outcry, President speaks Tinubu granted An amnesty for the prisoners, but NHRC Express How the police handled the cases of minors.
Also read: #endbadgovernance: Despite evidence to the contrary, police claim officers did not kill anyone, acted professionally
Recommendations for sustainable improvement
The KDI report called for the establishment of inclusive platforms to enable citizens, especially marginalized groups, to participate in policy-making processes.
The 130-page report advised protesters to remain unified and strategic, while encouraging those affected and the international community to spread awareness and counter misinformation.
“Civil society organizations should prioritize post-storm engagement to sustain the momentum of movements like #ENDBADGOVERNANCE and channel their demands into actionable outcomes,” the report said.
The report also explained the importance of synergy between online and offline advocacy to drive meaningful social change.
The report said that by addressing challenges holistically and fostering cooperation across sectors, these protests could pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable and democratic Nigeria.
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