‘Address Economic Woes, Not Oppress Vulnerable Citizens’ – Nweke To FG

A former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke, has called on the federal government to focus on addressing the economic hardship facing the country and not oppressing vulnerable citizens.

Frank Nweke said the decision of the Bola Tinubu-led government to charge 76 minors with treason for taking part in the August hunger protest was inhuman.

Nweke regretted that the government sees the trial of the minors as a priority rather than addressing hunger, insecurity and inflation.

In a statement on Friday, the former All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Enugu State lamented that the government went ahead with prosecution despite the condition of the minors in the court.

Nweke said, “It is a shame that rather than address Nigeria’s most pressing problems – Hunger, Insecurity, Inflation and our devastated national currency, government chose to preoccupy itself with the prosecution of 76 children and young adults for the ‘high crime’ of protesting hunger, insecurity, poor education, and hardship in August 2024.

“Four out of the 76 reportedly collapsed in an Abuja court earlier today after being detained for 90 days. Their lack of nutrition while in detention violates child protection and basic human rights laws.

“It’s heartbreaking that authorities showed such inhumanity in continuing the trial despite the children’s condition when medical attention and provision of food should have been the next reasonable step.

“It’s also been reported that the matter was adjourned to January 2025. Given their current condition, these citizens may arrive the court in coffins.”

Nweke called on the federal government to invest energy in addressing issues affecting the citizens. He added that the government’s action has highlighted the failures that led to the

“The Nigerian Correctional Services, HAGF, and other relevant organs of government must take steps to ensure adequate care for these citizens. This incident further highlights the systemic failures that led to the protest in the first place.

“In the meantime, rather than bring terrorists, criminal elements, perpetrators of high corruption that have brought Nigeria to its knees, to justice, children are being tried for treason for saying that they are hungry.

“The Nigerian government should address economic woes, not oppress vulnerable citizens,” he added.