Outrage over treason charge against minors

There was outrage over treason charge against some minors in Nigeria on Friday. Critics say the government was misusing its power.

The recent decision to charge minors with treason in Nigeria has sparked widespread outrage. Prominent figures and activists have condemned these actions, arguing that the government’s response to youth activism is disproportionate and unjust. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been especially vocal about the issue.

Atiku stated, “To label minors as traitors is an egregious violation of their rights. These young people are merely expressing their frustrations with a system that has failed them.” He emphasized the importance of allowing youth to engage in dialogue about their future. “Instead of criminalizing dissent, we should be listening to their voices,” he added.

The former Vice President’s comments highlight a growing concern about the treatment of young activists in Nigeria. He continued, “When we silence our youth, we undermine our democracy. It is our duty to protect their right to speak out.” His stance reflects a broader sentiment shared by many in the public sphere.

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of Labour Party was equally unhappy.  “I just watched disturbing and condemnable scenes captured in a circulating video showing 124 protesters, including minors, appearing in court today to secure the enforcement of their fundamental rights,” Obi stated. “The footage reveals minors so weak they could barely stand, with others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment. These children appeared visibly malnourished—a condition that should alarm the conscience of every citizen in our nation.”

‘Treason charge misuse of power’

Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), also expressed his condemnation of the charges. VDM left his own court case to address the situation, stating, “This is a blatant misuse of power. We cannot afford to label these children as criminals. They are the future of Nigeria.” He argued that punishing minors for protesting undermines their potential as leaders.

Critics of the treason charges have taken to social media to voice their discontent. Many argue that the government is using excessive force to stifle dissent. A prominent human rights lawyer commented, “Charging minors with treason is not only inappropriate; it sets a dangerous precedent for how we treat our youth.” This sentiment resonates with many Nigerians who believe in the importance of protecting young voices.

Advocacy groups have called for the immediate withdrawal of the charges, stating, “These minors should be nurtured, not punished. The outrage over the treason charge must not be ignored.” They stress that the government should engage with youth rather than vilify them.

As the outrage over the treason charge against minors continues to grow, it highlights significant concerns about freedom of expression in Nigeria. Many believe that silencing youth activism will only lead to more unrest and discontent. The conversation surrounding this issue is crucial for the future of democracy in Nigeria, and calls for justice are becoming louder.