Chief Bode George Condemns Arraignment of Minors in #EndBadGovernance Protest, Decries Inhumane Treatment by Authorities
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Chief Bode George, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the recent arraignment of 76 protesters, many of whom are minors, arrested during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The protesters were brought before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja on serious charges, including treason and incitement to mutiny, allegedly for calling on the military to remove President Bola Tinubu. Disturbingly, a video shared online showed some of the minors appearing malnourished and struggling physically as they were escorted into the courtroom.
During the proceedings, several minors collapsed while being taken to the dock, requiring assistance from lawyers and prison officers. This alarming incident has sparked significant public outcry and condemnation.
Chief George condemned the treatment of these minors, labeling it as “absolutely despicable,” “disgraceful,” and “shameful.” He expressed outrage at the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, for failing to intervene in the situation and called the handling of the minors’ detention “wicked” and “inhumane.” George emphasized the lack of basic decency and humanity in their treatment, questioning why the IGP did not take steps to protect the minors and suggest that juvenile court procedures should have been followed.
“It’s utterly disgraceful, how can we be so wicked?” he lamented, calling for a reconsideration of how young protesters are treated under the law. George, a former military governor of Ondo State, also acknowledged the broader issues facing Nigeria, linking them to the mismanagement of the electoral process by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He stated that the current government’s failures have led to calls for military intervention, a situation he finds unacceptable given Nigeria’s history with military rule.
George underscored the need for a fair electoral process, asserting that if INEC were fulfilling its duties properly, the government would be more representative of the people’s will. He expressed frustration over electoral manipulation that leads to undeserving leaders taking power, undermining democracy in the nation.
His comments reflect a growing concern among political leaders and the public regarding the treatment of protesters and the overall state of governance in Nigeria.
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