ACF slams treason trial of #EndBadGovernance protesters

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has vehemently criticized the ongoing treason trial of participants from the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, describing it as a “sham trial” and a “disgraceful spectacle.”

Reports indicate that many of the protesters, including minors, are facing serious charges such as treason, with bail set at an exorbitant ₦10 million each, along with onerous conditions.

The ACF believes this trial represents a clear attempt to intimidate citizens and suppress their constitutional rights to protest and voice their grievances. They view the protesters as victims of a flawed criminal justice system and an unyielding bureaucracy.

In light of this, the ACF has urged the Federal Government to immediately cease the detention and legal proceedings, advocating for the release of the protesters so they can return to their families unharmed.

The forum has also called for an investigation into the reasons behind the extended detention of these individuals, who have been in custody for over three months—far exceeding the constitutional 24-hour limit.

Additionally, the ACF is demanding that the Federal Government provide financial compensation for the unjust detention, as well as medical evaluations, treatment, and psychological counseling for the affected individuals.

In a statement issued on Sunday by ACF National Publicity Secretary Tukur Muhammad-Baba in Kaduna, the forum emphasized that the treatment of the protesters reflects a grave abuse of power by a government that should be prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.

“The ACF stands with other Nigerians, including national and international human rights organizations, in denouncing this farcical trial and the heavy-handed tactics reminiscent of authoritarian regimes,” the statement read.

Muhammad-Baba pointed out that the #EndBadGovernance protests highlight the growing frustration among Nigerians regarding soaring inflation, escalating insecurity, ineffective governance, and rising fuel prices.

These protests align with local elections, intensifying the need for the government to show a real commitment to addressing the concerns of its citizens in a meaningful way.

As Nigeria marks 25 years of continuous democracy, many citizens increasingly feel disillusioned, perceiving the current system as “civil rule” rather than genuine democratic governance.

The ACF’s statement serves as a reminder for the government to prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance to tackle the root causes of unrest and stabilize the political environment.