#EndBadGovernance: CISLAC Lauds President Tinubu For Release Of Minors
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for instructing Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to ensure the immediate release of all minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
The directive as announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who confirmed the President’s commitment to reuniting the minors with their families, CISLAC says is a welcome development.
CISLAC praised the President’s willingness to investigate the circumstances leading to the arrests and to hold responsible security personnel accountable.
CISLAC also urged President Tinubu to extend this directive to other detained protesters, so as to foster greater national unity, justice, and demonstration of a government open to addressing citizens’ grievances.
A statement signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Rafsanjani, called for two major reforms to Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
CISLAC advocated for a 5@comprehensive judicial reform, particularly targeting corruption within the judiciary saying a reformed judiciary will not only strengthen the rule of law and democracy but also increase confidence among international investors, who seek a transparent and fair justice system.
CISLAC is of the opinion that the involvement of corrupt public officials and election riggers with some judges to undermine justice poses a significant threat to the country and underscored the importance of police reform, particularly in recruitment and service deployment.
CISLAC noted some issues relating to police misconduct, including instances of brutality and corruption, stressing that only through a merit-based and transparent recruitment process that Nigeria can build a police force that serves and protects the public responsibly.
The Organisation also highlighted the need for improved police welfare, training, due promotions, and retirement benefits and applauded the directive assigning the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee the rehabilitation and safe return of the minors to their families.
This move, CISLAC says, reflects the President’s commitment to addressing humanitarian issues with compassion.
CISLAC also encouraged the empowerment of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to actively engage Nigerians, providing civic education and promoting active citizenship as an informed and engaged citizenry is crucial for national progress,” CISLAC noted.
CISLAC, is optimistic about the President’s earlier pledge to establish a dialogue with Nigerian youths to address their concerns about poverty, corruption, insecurity, and limited opportunities—a commitment made during the #EndBadGovernance protests. CISLAC urged the President to move forward by setting concrete structures for this dialogue.
CISLAC while reaffirming its support for any government efforts aimed at genuine reform and improved governance, urged the President to surround himself with reliable, impartial advisors to ensure that the initiative genuinely addresses the root causes of youth discontent and prevents any sycophants from derailing the purpose, just as it urged the President to continue listening to the people and addressing their demands for justice and accountability.
