March 5, 2024
Meanwhile, his arrest has triggered a protest by the youths in the area leading to the launching of an online campaign to get the activist freed.
An activist, Abdulganiu Olushipo, has been arrested by the Nigerian police for demanding good governance and transparency from the Lagos Mainland Local Government chairperson, Mrs Omolola Essien, on the local government's WhatsApp platform.
Meanwhile, his arrest has triggered a protest by the youths in the area leading to the launching of an online campaign to get the activist freed.
SaharaReporters reliably gathered on Tuesday that Olushipo, a resident of Lagos Mainland, was arrested and detained in a police station in Surulere since Monday.
Olushipo's arrest, it was gathered followed a WhatsApp comment where he called for good governance following an increase in local government allocation.
In a viral message shared by the youths, under the aegis of the Mainland Youths Initiative, they accused the Local Government Chairperson, Omolola Essien, of orchestrating Olushipo's arrest after posting an "unconfirmed" local governments allocation figures.
Before his arrest, Olushipo had forwarded a viral WhatsApp message to the platform detailing how much Lagos Mainland Local Government got in recent times.
Olushipo's WhatsApp post read: "Federal Allocation from January to December. January - N1.44trn, February- N1.03tr, March - N714b, April - N872b, May - N976b, June - N1.13trn, July - N1.89trn, Aug - N1.80trn, Sep - N1.48trn, Oct - N906bn, Nov - N1.08trn, and Dec - N1.78trn.
"Total - N15.152 Trillion
"This is what YOUR government (State/Local) collected on YOUR behalf from the FG in 2023. Interestingly, only ONCE in the last 6 months since the Tinubu government came in has the money shared not exceeded N1trn.
"Hold your chairman for development no excuse. Asiwaju is working."
This post SaharaReporters gathered got the chairman infuriated and ordered his arrest for alleged Cyberstalking and Cyberbullying.
But Jeffrey Anyasi, the Chief Press Secretary to the LMLG chairperson, Omolola Essien, denied the figures and accused Olushipo of "cyberbullying".
Anyasi while reacting to the condemnation of his boss's action confirmed that Olushipo was arrested in connection to his post demanding transparency.
He said, "Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. It's important to uphold principles of freedom of speech and ensure that individuals can express their opinions without fear of unjust repercussions.
"However, it's crucial to note that the arrest of Abdulganiu Olushipo is not solely based on his call for good governance, but rather due to suspected cyberbullying or cyberstalking related to inaccurate claims about the Lagos Mainland Local Government.
"While advocating good governance is commendable, it's imperative to do so responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Cyberbullying and spreading false information can have serious consequences, and law enforcement authorities have a duty to investigate such matters."
Rather than demanding transparency online, the LG chairperson spokesman Anyasi said such should only be done physically at the local government secretariat.
However, a vocal youth in the Local Government, popularly known as SDK, warned youths against going to the local government to demand such, urging them to prioritise their safety.
He also condemned the arrest and detention of the activist, describing it as "shameful and executive rascality".
"I have since lost confidence in Essien's ability to pilot the affairs of the Local Government progressively and democratically. The recent development depends my loss of confidence in the LG chairperson," he added.
Another Concerned Mainlander, Abayomi Adeleke, in an open letter titled, 'Urgent caution regarding unjust arrest of Abdulganiu Olushipo', asked the LG chairman to reconsider her decision.
He said, "Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that should be protected, and expressing one's opinions on matters of governance is an essential aspect of a democratic society.
"Arresting a youth for such a comment seems disproportionate and sends a concerning message about the state of free expression within our community.
"Let us foster an environment where constructive dialogue is encouraged, and citizens can freely express their opinions without fear of reprisal."
In a post to sensitise its members, the Mainland Youth Arise (MAYA) expressed outrage at the recent arrest of the young activist "for exercising his fundamental rights to freedom of speech and assembly."
The group in the post said, "This unlawful arrest sends a chilling message that dissent will not be tolerated in the local government and this is dangerous for our democracy. A core tenet of a healthy democracy is the right of its citizens to question their government.
"The arrest of Olushupo is an affront to these principles and an attempt to silence a young voice calling for accountability. This action appears to be a blatant attempt to intimidate those who dare to question authority. But the LG leadership cannot succeed in this. We will keep making our opinions known."
The youth-based group also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies to probe the spending of the LMLG since Essien became chairperson.
"We call for the immediate release of the vibrant youth activist and all charges to be dropped. We stand in solidarity with all those who fight for a more transparent and accountable government.
"This is a special appeal to EFCC and other law enforcement agencies in the country to probe the administration of Essien. Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly should come to the rescue of Mainlanders by prosecuting and removing the LG chairperson."