NEWS
By Chika Okwu
The recent arrest by officials of the Lagos State Government of 123 youths from Jigawa State who came into Lagos in search of greener pastures has been condemned by a cross section of the civil society group. Speaking to newsmen in the early hours of today , the President of Move on Nigeria , Mr. Clement Aguiyi accused the Lagos State Government of violating the fundamental rights of the Youths . He stressed that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provided for freedom of movement and the right of every citizen to visit or live in any part of the country of choice without harassment. He said the only offence by the young men who were humiliated as if they were common criminals was daring to visit Lagos as a youth and there is no such a crime like illegal mass movement.
Mr. Aguiyi insisted that no Nigerian should be discriminated against because of their social statue or account of ethnic origin . He queried if the young men would have been arrested and paraded before newsmen as common criminal if they had traveled by air to Lagos . Travelling by road and on motor vehicle ought not be a crime he said.
The action of the officials of Lagos state government is wrong and capable of inciting ill feelings amongst Nigerians. He urged the Lagos State Government to provide shelter , food and jobs for the 123 youths , and also to help them settle down in Lagos.
All of the 123 youths had since been released by the Lagos State Government who described the arrest as a routine security check in view of the current security challenges across the country
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