CSO attacks northern governors over deportation of Almajiris

A civil society group, Concerned Nigerians, has disagreed with the deportation of Almajiris by state governors in the North, describing the action as unconstitutional and abuse of the fundamental rights of the kids.

The Almajiris had been deported in large numbers in Kano and Plateau states to their states of origin, by Governors Umar Ganduje and Simon Lalong of Kano and Plateau states respectively over fears occasioned by the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

The group, in a statement on Wednesday by its convener, Prince Deji Adeyanju, said the repatriation exercise was not only poorly thought-out but also contravened the provision of Section 41 of the Constitution.

The group, therefore, called on the Federal Government and the security agencies to halt further evacuation of citizens away from any part of the country.

The statement reads: “The state governors erred by deporting the children. It is reprehensible and irresponsible for any government to deport its citizens especially vulnerable children whose lives maybe endangered in the process of deportation.

“The deportation of these Nigerians by state governors is unconstitutional. Section 41 of the CFRN guarantees the rights of every citizen to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof and no citizen shall be expelled or refused entry.

“Nigeria is a nation governed by law and order and unconstitutional acts like this must be condemned by all and sundry. The children are protected by law and their freedom to move and live in any party of the federation without being hounded or harassed by the state must be upheld.

“The founders of our democratic republic demanded that the constitution protects us against government limits on our freedom of movement and assembly as guaranteed in section 41”.

The group further condemned those in power for failing to care for the children over the years, adding that the menace of street-begging and other ills ocassioned by the Almajiris were products of leadership failure and decades of negligence on the part of the government.

“These kids wouldn’t have been on the streets begging if money meant for their education had not being stolen or embezzled.

“Education is the key to success and every child has the right to qualitative education. It transforms lives, breaks the cycle of poverty and provides a pathway for a better future. These children deserve a better future and the government must ensure they are given one.

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“It is also pertinent to note that the state governors do not have the powers under the omnibus section 45 of our constitution to revoke the right of freedom of movement guaranteed in section 41. Their actions are unconstitutional,” Adeyanju said.

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