Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its decision to prosecute minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest in August, News About Nigeria reports.
Omokri expressed his support in a statement via his verified X handle on Friday night.
He refuted claims that President Tinubu harbors animosity toward Northern people, often referred to as Arewa, due to the prosecution of minors, who are mostly from the North.
According to Omokri, prosecuting minors is appropriate if they are suspected of looting or damaging public property.
He explained that ₦200 billion worth of damage was caused during the protest, asserting that if minors are mature enough to engage in the destruction of public and private property, they should also be accountable for their actions.
Omokri pointed to practices in Western countries, noting that teenagers have even been sentenced to life imprisonment in Europe, Canada, and the United States.
The statement reads, “Anyone suggesting that Tinubu hates Arewa because of this prosecution of some teenagers is simply trying to stir controversy. It’s disheartening to see former Buhari administration appointees inciting such sentiments.
“My question to these officials is this: What should be done with teenagers suspected of looting or damaging public property? Should they be rewarded? There’s nothing wrong with prosecuting teenagers; it happens in EVERY country worldwide.
“Should they be treated the same way protesters were treated at Lekki Tollgate during #EndSARS? Absolutely not.
“Teenagers have even received life sentences in Europe, Canada, and America. The only issue would be if they are mistreated while under investigation or detention, and I condemn that. The Attorney General should ensure humane treatment.
“₦200 billion in damage to public property occurred during the so-called #EndBadGovernance protest. If you are mature enough to join in such destruction, then you are mature enough to face the consequences unless there’s a mental incapacity. Otherwise, law and order will collapse in society.
“ANY presidential candidate who didn’t condemn the looting and destruction of property lacks the moral authority to oppose the prosecution of these teens.”
