Addressing Lagos Mainland youths shortly after the activist’s release, the council chairperson, Mrs Essien, lamented that the post made by Olushipo could cause unrest that could be worse than #EndSARS protests if such a message was misinterpreted.
The police in Lagos State have released an activist, Abdulganiu Olushipo, who was arrested for demanding good governance and transparency from the Lagos Mainland Local Government chairperson, Mrs Omolola Essien, on the local government’s WhatsApp platform.
Media reported on Tuesday that his arrest had triggered a protest by youths in the area, leading to the launch of an online campaign to get the activist freed.
Following media’ report about the arrest on Tuesday, the activist was released from detention.
He was arrested on Monday and had been detained in a police station in Surulere since then.
Addressing Lagos Mainland youths shortly after the activist’s release, the council chairperson, Mrs Essien, lamented that the post made by Olushipo could cause unrest that could be worse than #EndSARS protests if such a message was misinterpreted.
Mr Oluwafemi Olugbodi, who attended the meeting, said that the chairperson explained how the allocation was disbursed, providing a breakdown of the payments.
“She mentioned that similar unrest to the #EndSARS protests can arise from misinterpretations.
“She emphasized that cyberbullying and incitement are detrimental, while encouraging people with grievances to approach her office, noting that it is always open,” Olugbodi said.
Olugbodi stated that during the discussion, drainage issues, which had persisted despite efforts to discourage residents from dumping refuse were highlighted.
“Some individuals were observed to have neglected the payment of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) bills, leading to sanitation challenges,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mrs Essien while reflecting on her activism during her school days, expressed disappointment in what she described as an attempt to tarnish her image.
She called for unity and dialogue, Olugbodi said, adding that she acknowledged that progress hinges on cooperation.
Addressing allegations of misappropriated funds, he said that the local council chairperson assured that improvements would be evident if allocations were accurately accounted for while appealing for understanding and unity.
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