The National Youth Alliance (NYA), a prominent northern youth group, has strongly criticized the treason trial of #EndBadGovernance protesters, with the organization’s president, Aliyu Bin Abbas, denouncing the treatment of detained minors as akin to “kidnapping.” During the Northern Youth Summit held at Arewa House in Kaduna on Sunday, Abbas condemned the government’s actions and the unaffordable N10 million bail placed on the mostly minor detainees, calling for their unconditional release.
“These boys look malnourished and unable to stand on their own. Taking them back to jail is unjust and a violation of the Child Rights Act,” Abbas remarked, addressing the inhumane conditions endured by the young protesters. The NYA president urged the Federal Government to halt the ongoing trial, stressing the need for fair treatment of children and youth in line with human rights standards.
The summit, attended by youth representatives from 19 northern states, also served as a platform for discussing the need for national transformation. Abbas expressed the frustration of young Nigerians with the current state of the nation, saying, “We’re not satisfied with the old Nigeria,” and called for collective youth action to build a country that truly serves its citizens.
With an eye on the 2027 general elections, Abbas emphasized unity among young Nigerians across all political parties, stressing that their primary objective is to “birth a Nigeria that works for everyone.” He lamented the disconnect between the country’s leaders and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, saying that the current political class is out of touch with the youth’s realities and needs.
Despite threats from established politicians, Abbas remains resolute in his commitment to peaceful change, saying, “We will keep telling them the truth. Nigeria belongs to all of us, especially the younger generation. It’s time for us to stand up and defend democracy.” The NYA’s call to action reflects a growing desire among Nigerian youth to participate actively in shaping a more inclusive and responsive government.
