Peter Obi Condemns Treatment of #EndBadGovernance Protesters, Calls for Investigation

Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned the treatment of 124 #EndBadGovernance protesters, including minors, who appeared in court on Friday to seek enforcement of their fundamental rights.

In a statement shared on his X account, Obi expressed grave concern after viewing distressing footage of detained children. The video showed minors appearing visibly malnourished and frail, with some reportedly fainting due to exhaustion and lack of nourishment. “The inhumane conditions these children are enduring are unacceptable,” Obi stated, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

The protesters, arrested for voicing their frustrations over poor governance, were allegedly subjected to substandard care while in federal custody. Obi pointed out the troubling contrast between this treatment and the constitutional freedoms guaranteed under Nigeria’s democracy. He emphasized, “It is shocking that those in power now once championed the right to protest when they were in opposition.”

Furthermore, Obi noted that even those held in correctional facilities deserve humane treatment, as they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. He praised the presiding judge for halting the trial, recognizing the potential international embarrassment this case could bring to Nigeria’s democratic image.

Obi called on key authorities, including the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as the National Human Rights Commission, to investigate the inhumane treatment of these minors. “We must ensure that such violations do not recur,” he asserted.