By Our Reporter
Federal Government has released the minors detained during the August protest and charged for treason on humanitarian grounds.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday while receiving the minors shortly after their charges were dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered their release on humanitarian grounds, giving them another chance to become responsible citizens,” a statement by presidential aide, Stanley Nkwocha, read.
Shettima said despite 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 being a compassionate and caring leader to all Nigerians has acted based on compassion
He said: “President 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.
“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 businesses.
“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.
“I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across political divide, what binds us together as citizens 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.”
“He called on the governments of Kaduna and Kano States to anchor the rehabilitation of the suspects so they can be reintegrated into the social fabric of their respective communities and society at large.
Both the Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani and his counterpart in Kano, governor Abba Yusuf were on hand to receive the minors.
The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, urged the released youths to reflect on their actions and embrace the opportunity given to them by President Tinubu to become better and responsible citizens. While governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the president for heeding the public call, for the release of the minors.
The two governors pledged their commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to support the freed suspects in completing their education or engaging in ventures that will positively impact their lives.