Minors or Adults? Why Rimazonte Ezekiel’s Comments on #EndBadGovernance Are Fueling National Outrage

The Nigerian social media space is buzzing with discussions about Rimazonte Ezekiel, a lawyer and counsel to the Federal Government, who is currently under fire for his recent comments regarding #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters. Ezekiel claimed that the 79 protesters arrested in Northern Nigeria in August are "all adults, some married and some university graduates." His remarks, made during a court session, have ignited an intense backlash online, as evidence indicates many of the detainees are actually minors aged between 13 and 19. This assertion, despite contradictory documentation and reports, has led to widespread criticism of both Ezekiel and the government’s stance on these arrests.

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The August 2024 #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests emerged in response to growing frustrations over economic hardship, unemployment, and general dissatisfaction with government policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In Northern Nigeria, these protests took a more heated turn, especially in Kaduna and Zaria, resulting in the arrest of over 70 individuals. Now, nearly 93 days after their detention, these individuals face serious charges, including treason and conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria.

Ezekiel’s public defense, which asserted that the detained individuals were not minors, has become a viral moment on social media, with platforms like X (formerly Twitter) showcasing a barrage of reactions from users, civil rights activists, and international observers. His comments, including “None of them is a minor,” have spurred intense debate, especially in light of Amnesty International’s findings and statements, which confirm that many detainees are indeed minors. Amnesty International Nigeria responded with a strong condemnation of the government, urging the administration to release detained minors and decrying the prolonged detention as a violation of children’s rights.

Youth Be Involved (@youthbeinvolved) tweeted about the conditions the minors are facing:

"In a Federal High Court session in Abuja, five minors, arrested during August’s #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, collapsed in the courtroom while on trial for alleged treasonable felony and attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government."

This event, alongside reports from the courtroom, has sparked a wave of empathy and frustration among Nigerians and beyond, raising questions about human rights standards in the country.

Public outrage has escalated in the past 24 hours, with Nigerians and global observers denouncing both Ezekiel’s remarks and the perceived disregard for human rights. @Drweloveu expressed shock and condemnation, tweeting:

“These are underage kids; the inhuman, barbaric, and unjust regime of @officialABAT brought to the Federal High Court, Abuja, today to be tried for treason allegedly for participating in the August 2024 #EndbadgovernanceInNigeria protest.”

The emotional outcry reflects a growing sentiment that these young detainees are being unfairly targeted, with many viewing Ezekiel’s statements as an attempt to paint a misleading picture. Another user, @Aminuwhite01, highlighted the stark contrast between the treatment of the protesters and that of public officials accused of corruption:

“PICTURE 1. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters
CRIME: Hoisting Russian flag
NUMBER OF DAYS IN DETENTION: 93 and counting
BAIL: 10 Million Naira each
PICTURE 2: Dishonourable Member
CRIME: Intimidating fellow citizens and threat to life
NUMBER OF DAYS IN DETENTION: Zero”

 

Rimazonte Ezekiel's statements, which seem to sidestep the reality of underage detainees, have led many to question his credibility and his role within the Nigerian justice system. Activist @FactJerker pointedly suggested:

“Every case that Rimazonte Ezekiel has ever handled should be under review with immediate effect: @njcNig @NigBarAssoc.”

This comment underlines growing calls for accountability not just for Ezekiel but also for the entire judiciary involved in prosecuting these minors. Such posts reflect a societal demand for integrity and transparency within Nigeria’s justice system, especially where children’s rights are involved.

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, which began as a cry for better governance, have now become emblematic of a much larger struggle for justice, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria. The arrest and trial of minors for participating in a protest against governmental mismanagement seem to contradict Nigeria’s commitments to international conventions on children’s rights, which prohibit the unjust detention of minors.

Public commentators, journalists, and civil rights organizations are using this case to shine a light on the injustices faced by the younger generation in Nigeria. This sentiment was echoed by prominent activist Omoyele Sowore, who pointed out the dangerous precedent set by trying minors in such cases.

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The controversy surrounding Rimazonte Ezekiel’s remarks has stirred deep discussions about the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, the protection of minors, and the role of the state in respecting the rights of its citizens. With the court case ongoing, many are calling for greater scrutiny, transparency, and accountability. Nigerians are pushing for reform and demanding that the government address their calls for better governance without infringing upon their fundamental rights.

As the world watches, this case stands as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the democratic values it claims to uphold. The voices on social media, echoing from within Nigeria and beyond, are growing louder, insisting that the rights of the young, the vulnerable, and the powerless must be respected if the country is to move toward a truly just and equitable future. 

This controversy has laid bare deep issues within the justice system and the treatment of young voices seeking change. Tell us your thoughts: Do you believe these protesters are being fairly represented, or is this a sign of deeper issues in Nigeria's commitment to justice?