Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana has issued a stern call to the Federal Government, urging it to reintegrate and provide educational opportunities for minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests. Falana warned that if the government fails to take these steps, he will pursue legal action to hold them accountable.
Falana voiced this warning during the launch of Richard Akinnola’s book, ‘Judicial Terrorism’, held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
While commending the recent dismissal of charges against 119 individuals, including 29 minors, Falana underscored that merely dropping the charges falls short of addressing the minors’ needs. He argued that rehabilitation and education are essential for these young individuals, many of whom were out of school at the time of the protests.
“It’s not enough to terminate this trial,” Falana stated. “These young people, who should have been in school, must be rehabilitated by the government. We will ensure they are given a proper chance at education and reintegration. Should the government fail in this responsibility, we will pursue legal action as mandated by the child rights law, which guarantees free and compulsory education for all Nigerian children.”
Falana reminded the audience that Nigeria’s child rights law mandates free education up to secondary school for every child, a duty binding on both the Federal Government and the states.
Panel Discusses Current Governance Challenges
The book launch drew a distinguished panel, including Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah, who urged Nigerians to value national unity and avoid internal discord. Reflecting on global conflicts in regions like Gaza and Lebanon, Kukah called for a collective spirit of cohesion.
“We might assume that the worst times in our history are behind us, but it is essential to remain united. This country is a treasure that many have sacrificed for. We take our peace for granted without realizing the consequences of division,” Kukah said.
He further appealed to Christians to embrace forgiveness, stressing that “nothing happens outside God’s will.”
Military Influence and the Judicial System
Owei Lakemfa, representing Professor Chidi Odinkalu, the chairman of the occasion, criticized the enduring influence of military ideologies within Nigeria’s judiciary. He argued that vestiges of military rule have persisted despite years of civilian governance.
However, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, countered this viewpoint. Irabor asserted that misuse of power is not unique to the military and should not define the entire institution. “The military is not defined by the actions of individuals who misuse power. No part of our training encourages such behavior,” he said.
Book Aims to Clarify Historical Narratives
In ‘Judicial Terrorism’, author Richard Akinnola examines the 1992 Zangon Kataf crises and addresses longstanding allegations. Former Rivers State Governor, Lt. Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), who was also present, expressed his satisfaction with the book’s release, stating it offers an accurate account of the Zangon Kataf crisis.
Lekwot said, “This publication corrects the misleading narratives that were attributed to me. False accounts have been used by those in high places to tarnish my reputation, much like giving a dog a bad name to justify hanging it.”
The launch concluded with a renewed call from attendees to address systemic issues affecting governance and justice in Nigeria.
