The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the immediate release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the immediate release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
This announcement, made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reflects the President’s commitment to reuniting these minors with their families and reviewing the circumstances surrounding their detention.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organization praised the President’s decision and his promise to hold accountable the security personnel involved in these arrests.
CISLAC also urged the President to extend this directive to all detained protesters, emphasizing that this would foster national unity, enhance justice, and show a government willing to listen to its people’s grievances.
Mr. Rafsanjani further called for two critical reforms in Nigeria’s justice and security sectors. He highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive judicial reform, focusing on eliminating corruption within the judiciary. “To restore hope and stability in our country, we must ensure that only judges with integrity serve on our benches,” he stated.
According to CISLAC, a reformed judiciary is essential to upholding the rule of law, strengthening democracy, and boosting international investor confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
In addition, CISLAC pointed to the need for police reform, especially in recruitment and service deployment. Citing issues such as police brutality and corruption, the organization called for a merit-based and transparent recruitment process. “By rooting out corrupt elements within the police, we can foster a positive partnership between citizens and the police, which is essential for national security,” Rafsanjani emphasized. He also called for improved police welfare, training, promotions, and retirement benefits.
CISLAC commended President Tinubu for assigning the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee the rehabilitation and safe return of the released minors to their families. The organization sees this as a compassionate response to a pressing humanitarian issue.
The statement also encouraged the empowerment of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to engage the public in civic education and promote active citizenship. “An informed and engaged citizenry is crucial for national progress,” Rafsanjani remarked.
Finally, CISLAC expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s earlier pledge to establish a dialogue with Nigerian youth to address their concerns about poverty, corruption, insecurity, and limited opportunities.
CISLAC urged the President to ensure this dialogue leads to concrete reforms, advising that reliable and impartial advisors should guide the process.
CISLAC reaffirmed its support for genuine reforms and called on President Tinubu to continue listening to the voices of Nigerians, particularly in their demands for justice and accountability.
