Timi Frank backs Tinubu’s order releasing detained minors

Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has praised President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to release minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

Frank, in a statement on Tuesday, called the President’s move “a step in the right direction” and urged him to extend the directive to include all citizens held for lawful protests against government policies.

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Frank, recognising Tinubu’s own history of leading protests during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, argued that the President should free all detainees, particularly those who voiced concerns over current economic policies like the naira float and fuel subsidy removal. He contended these policies have exacerbated hardship, impacting the livelihood of many Nigerians.

Beyond the release, Frank called on the Federal Government to compensate the minors for the violation of their human rights. He condemned the conditions of their three-month detention and urged that any implicated officers face strict accountability.

“The President’s actions acknowledge both local and international concerns about the treatment of protesters, especially minors,” Frank stated. “However, the intelligence failures that allowed minors to be detained so long demand urgent investigation.”

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Frank also advised that the investigation begins with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and police commissioners in Kano and Kaduna, pledging to ensure the probe’s findings are made public. Additionally, he proposed financial aid, scholarships, and psychological support for the affected minors to help them overcome the trauma.

“Providing these resources and compensation for affected families can help restore justice and compassion to our society,” Frank concluded, reaffirming his support for positive governance and accountability.