From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
At the reception for the 119 released #EndBadGovernance protesters, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised that it was President Bola Tinubu’s humanitarian decision to release the detainees, despite substantial evidence of their involvement in protests.
They were declared medically fit to be handed over to their state governors after examination by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda.
Shettima stated, “As the father of the nation, the President aims to give these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens” who can contribute positively to Nigeria’s future.
He said: “The President and commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed 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 has decided to give these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria.”
The admonished the youths, urging them not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property, highlighting that over N800 billion of mainly private property was lost during the protests.
He said: “I would like to admonish you, young men not to allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property.
Over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly private property and loss of business.”
Shettima encouraged them to embrace this opportunity for rehabilitation saying: “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.”
The Vice President also urged governors and elected officials to unite across political lines for their reintegration into society. He asserted, “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.
“I will call on our two governors and our Representatives to ensure that these subjects are rehabilitated and reintegrated to the fabric of our communities.”
In his own remakes, Kano, Abba Yusuf, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the federal government for their compassionate decision regarding the release of protesters.
He stated, “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.”
The Governor acknowledged the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media, in advocating for the protesters’ freedom. He emphasised that their 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 presidnet 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”
Justice Obiora Egwatu, had earlier struck out the case against the protesters as requested by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), led by Lateef Fagbemi.
Governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, also spoke in the same lite, admonishing the released protesters to make good use of the second chance that have been given to them.
He said those that want to go to school will be assisted to do so, and those with skills in various vocation will be encouraged to developed to earn their livelihood.
In attendance were Deputy State President, Jubrin Barau, chairman House committee on appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, Ministers of Education, Tunji Alausa, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Others were minister of state of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement Northwest, Abdullahi Yakasai.