TheCable

Concerned Nigerians, a pro-democracy and human rights group, says governors in the northern region have violated the constitution by returning almajiri kids to their hometowns.

Almajiri is a system where kids leave their homes in search of Islamic knowledge. But over the years, the practice has been criticised for the neglect and abuses suffered by children under this system.

Kano, Kaduna and Nasarawa states have begun returning almajiri children to their states of origin as a part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Other northern governors have also agreed to ban the almajiri system.

In a statement, Deji Adeyanju, the group’s convener, said almajiri children are Nigerians whose rights are protected by the constitution.

He said the governors have violated section 41 of the 1999 constitution which reads: “Every Citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom.”

Adeyanju said the action by the state government is considered an abuse of the fundamental rights of the children by the authorities.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Adeyanju asked the government to put an end to the violation of the nation’s constitution and the harassment of innocent children.

He said the country’s problem is a failure of leadership and not the almajiri children who beg on the streets against their will.

“What we are witnessing today is a failure of leadership and decades of negligence on the part of our leaders. These kids wouldn’t have been on the streets begging if money meant for their education had not being stolen or embezzled,” he said.

“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.

“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”.

Amina Mohammed Baloni, commissioner for health in Kaduna, had said some almajiri kids from Kano are part of the COVID-19 cases in the state.