The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has commended President Bola Tinubu for instructing Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi to ensure the immediate release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the directive was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who confirmed the President’s commitment to reuniting the minors with their families.

CISLAC welcomed the President’s decision in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, in Abuja on Tuesday.

It praised Tinubu’s willingness to investigate the circumstances leading to the arrests and hold responsible security personnel accountable.

The organisation urged President Tinubu to extend the directive to other detained protesters to foster national unity and justice, demonstrating a government open to addressing citizens’ grievances.

The centre called for major reforms to Nigeria’s criminal justice system and emphasised the need for comprehensive judicial reform, particularly targeting corruption within the judiciary.

This, it said, could be achieved by
ensuring only judges with integrity serve on Nigerian benches, a move that would restore hope and stability in the country.

“A reformed judiciary will not only strengthen the rule of law and democracy but also increase confidence among international investors, who seek a transparent and fair justice system.

“A situation where corrupt public officials and election riggers are working with some judges to scuttle justice is a big threat to our country,” it added.

CISLAC also underscored the importance of police reform, particularly in recruitment and service deployment.

Noting issues of police misconduct, including brutality and corruption, CISLAC stressed that only through merit-based and transparent recruitment processes can Nigeria build a police force that serves and protects the public responsibly.

“By rooting out corrupt elements within the police, we can foster a positive partnership between citizens and the police, essential for national security,” CISLAC added.

The centre also praised the directive assigning the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee the rehabilitation and safe return of the minors to their families.

This move, according to CISLAC, reflects the President’s commitment to addressing humanitarian issues with compassion.

It encouraged the empowerment of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to actively engage Nigerians, providing civic education and promoting active citizenship.

According to CISLAC, an informed and engaged citizenry is crucial for national progress. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai