Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday, told all the 119 protesters, including 29 minors facing trial for treason as a result of the August #endbadgovernance protest to go and sin no more.
The vice-president, who justified President Bola Tinubu’s directive for their release, said his principal took the decision on compassionate ground, revealing that, Nigeria lost over N300 billion from the destruction and halting of economic activities caused by the protesters, to both the public and private properties.
At the same time, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who directed investigations into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of the young protesters while in police detention facilities, vowed to implement the recommendations of the panel report.
But a seasoned lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has tasked the federal government to rehabilitate the minors, saying it was not enough to withdraw the case against them.
The protesters were declared medically fit to be handed over to their governors after examination by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda.
The vice-president spoke while receiving the protesters at the Auditorium of the State House, Abuja, yesterday, shortly after their charges were dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Shettima said there was incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions of some of the protesters which were uploaded by the actors themselves.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, instructed the release of the suspect on humanitarian grounds, despite incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions some of which were uploaded by the actors themselves.
“Regarding this evidence, the President as the father of the nation is giving these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria.”
The vice-president admonished the youths, urging them not to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property, stressing that over N300 billion of mainly private property was lost during the protests.
“I would like to admonish you, young men not to allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property because over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly private property and loss of business.
“I will urge you, I will advise you, you are our children, to use the opportunity of the President’s magnanimous gesture in ensuring that you overcome and become responsible citizens who will contribute to the growth of the society,” he said.
Shettima also urged governors and elected officials to unite across political lines for the protesters reintegration into society.
He stated: “I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across political divide, what binds us together as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides us.
“I will call on our two governors and our representatives into a single cause, and ensure that these subjects are rehabilitated and reintegrated to the fabric of our communities.”
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State expressed gratitude to Tinubu and the federal government for their compassionate decision regarding the release of protesters.
“What happened today will be written in gold. The president has shown his compassion and humility. He has demonstrated that you (protesters) are also his children,” he said.
Yusuf acknowledged the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the media, in advocating for the protesters’ freedom.
He stressed that the protesters’ release was not only a result of presidential compassion but also a response to persistent appeals from well-meaning Nigerians.
“What happened today will be written in gold. The president has shown his compassion and humility. He has shown that you (protesters) are also his children.
“Apart from his compassion, it was also a result for appeal by persistent Nigerians, by well meaning Nigerian, CSOs, The Press, the NBA. Everybody ensured that you are free.”
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, also admonished the protesters to make good use of the second chance that was given to them.
He said those that wanted to go to school would be assisted to do so, while those with skills in various vocation would be encouraged to developed them to earn their livelihood.
Justice Obiora Egwatu of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had earlier on Tuesday struck out the case against the protesters as requested by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), led by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Present at the ceremony were Deputy State President, Senator Jubrin Barau; Chairman, House committee on appropriation, Hon Abubakar Bichi; Ministers of Education, Tunji Alausa; Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda; Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Others were Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu and Senior Special Assistant to The President on Community Engagement, Northwest, Abdullahi Yakasai.
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke, Kuni Tyessi and Ahmad Sorondinki
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