The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani in a statement said that the Endbadgovernance protesters were manipulated into the August 1-4th protest in the state.
At least 76 people, including 30 minors, were charged with treason and inciting a military coup after they took part in August protests against economic hardship.
The minors’ arraignment sparked public outrage and criticism of the government after they were paraded in court last Friday, looking unkempt, malnourished and sickly.
However, Governor Uba who was at the State House to receive his wards after president Bola Ahmed Tinubu pardoned them unconditionally revealed that they were manipulated into it to cause havoc.
“In the course of our interaction with the children after the handover, it was clear that many of them were manipulated by some conflict entrepreneurs out to create a major upheaval in Kaduna State, and by extension Nigeria.
“I assured the children that after undergoing psychosocial counseling, the State Government will ensure that those of them who are students will be supported to return back to school, while those with skills will be supported with work tools and resources.” He pledged
Vice-president Kashim Shettima who had obeyed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for their release, handed over the detainees to their respective governors stating that his principal took the decision on compassionate ground.
Shettima said there were incontrovertible digital videos and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions of some of the protesters which were uploaded by the actors themselves.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, instructed the release of the suspect on humanitarian grounds, despite incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions some of which were uploaded by the actors themselves.
“Regarding this evidence, the President as the father of the nation is giving these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria.”
He admonished the youths, urging them not to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property, stressing that over N300 billion of mainly private property was lost during the protests.
“I would like to admonish you, young men not to allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property because over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly private property and loss of business.
“I will urge you, I will advise you, you are our children, to use the opportunity of the President’s magnanimous gesture in ensuring that you overcome and become responsible citizens who will contribute to the growth of the society,” he said.
Shettima also urged governors and elected officials to unite across political lines for the protesters reintegration into society.
He stated: “I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across political divide, what binds us together as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides us.
“I will call on our two governors and our representatives into a single cause, and ensure that these subjects are rehabilitated and reintegrated to the fabric of our communities.”
Uba Sani, also admonished the protesters to make good use of the second chance that was given to them.
He said those that wanted to go to school would be assisted to do so, while those with skills in various vocation would be encouraged to developed them to earn their livelihood