CISLAC Commends President Tinubu for Releasing Detained Minors, Calls for Justice and Security Reforms

By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has praised President Bola Tinubu for ordering the release of all minors detained during the "EndBadGovernance" protests across Nigeria. This directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, demonstrates the President's commitment to reuniting the minors with their families and investigating the circumstances leading to their arrests.

CISLAC welcomed the President's decision, urging him to extend this directive to other detained protesters to foster greater national unity, justice, and demonstrate a government open to addressing citizens' grievances.

In a statement signed by CISLAC Executive Director Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC emphasized the need for comprehensive judicial reform, targeting corruption within the judiciary. "To restore hope and stability in our country, we must ensure that only judges with integrity serve on our benches," CISLAC stated. CISLAC noted that corrupt public officials and election riggers undermining justice with some judges pose a significant threat to the country.

The organization also stressed police reform, particularly in recruitment and service deployment, to build a police force that serves and protects the public responsibly. CISLAC praised the directive assigning the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee the rehabilitation and safe return of the minors to their families, reflecting the President's commitment to addressing humanitarian issues with compassion.

The organization encouraged empowering the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to engage Nigerians, providing civic education and promoting active citizenship. "An informed and engaged citizenry is crucial for national progress," CISLAC stated.

CISLAC expressed optimism about the President's pledge to establish a dialogue with Nigerian youth to address concerns about poverty, corruption, insecurity, and limited opportunities. CISLAC urged the President to set concrete structures for this dialogue, surrounding himself with reliable, impartial advisors.

CISLAC reaffirmed its support for government efforts aimed at genuine reform and improved governance, urging the President to continue listening to the people and addressing their demands for justice and accountability.