By Abubakar Yunusa
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Support Groups have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an investigation into actions by security agencies allegedly responsible for detaining minors involved in anti-government protests.
The group’s Director-General, Professor Kailani Muhammad, made the appeal during a news briefing in Abuja on Friday.
The group’s statement urged President Tinubu to address what they described as the “overzealous attitude” of the security agencies, which they claim tarnished Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
“We strongly appeal to Mr. President to initiate a probe into this behavior by security agencies, which displayed an undue use of force,” Muhammed said.
He emphasized that the Nigerian constitution and international charters exempt minors from prosecution on charges such as treason, adding, “The Nigerian police are well aware of these protections, and officers responsible should be held accountable as a deterrent.”
Muhammed further stated that APC Support Groups, which worked extensively to support Tinubu’s presidential campaign, have not received promised appointments in government.
He expressed frustration that, despite Tinubu’s initial commitment to these groups, they have been “shut out” of federal appointments since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
“He has ignored several of our written and verbal communications in this regard,” Muhammed said.
“It is an irony that President Tinubu has distanced himself from those who worked tirelessly to secure his victory.”
Muhammed also criticized Tinubu for surrounding himself with what he termed “Lagos boys,” figures who were not visible during the campaign but now occupy key advisory roles.
He added, “This is puzzling, given that the ‘Jagaban’ we have known over the years is someone who stands by his word.”
President Tinubu’s office has yet to respond to the APC Support Groups’ allegations or their request for an investigation into the minors’ detention.
