Nigerian netizens have taken to the X platform (formerly Twitter) to knock the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, over his statement regarding the case of social media influencer Pastor Okezie J. Atani, arrested for alleged defamation by the Abia State Police Command.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Okezie was arrested for allegedly defaming a lady popularly known as Serah Ibrahim, a loyalist of Peter Obi and Labour Party, who allegedly used the influence of the Abia State Government to mobilise police personnel to arrest Okezie.
Meanwhile, Okezie is a supporter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to Okezie’s arrest, the minister in a statement issued on Friday said President Bola Tinubu’s administration decided to take action to secure his release because of the government’s commitment to due process and fairness.
However, the X users have been lambasting the minister for allegedly being biased, saying he had not been taking any action on cases involving other Nigerian youths. They accused him of taking a personal interest in Okezie’s case because he is an APC supporter.
The X users berated the minister for not intervening in the case of a social media influencer, Mr. Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks II, who is facing trial over his alleged defamation of Evangelist Ebuka Obi of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach.
They also questioned the minister for not intervening in the case of Chioma Okoli, a female customer of Erisco Foods Limited who was arrested in 2023 by the Nigeria Police Force over her view of one of the Erisco Foods products on Facebook.
An X user, @Ogbeniabbey said, “Well done bro but this is bad precedence. Yes, we asked you to help Pastor but not to release a statement about it.
“They will ask you if you have mentioned anything about Chioma Okoli or Ijele, and I am sure you won’t be able to give an answer. Wisdom bro, wisdom!”
For @adeyinka_adeife wrote, “This country is a simulation, nothing you wan tell me. Where was your office in the case of Chioma and Erisco, where was your office in the case of several unwarranted extortion of youth on the road by the police?
“Good that you delved in on this case but make sure to remain consistent when other cases like this arise.
“We will be here to remind you when you don’t follow the standard you just laid now.”
@Dbest101 said, “I hope you will act swiftly when another party member faces these kinds of situations we will be watching. Thanks for coming through.”
@i_am_dagos wrote, “Honourable minister but you didn’t put out a statement when Chioma was arrested or it’s because she isn’t a progressive or batidot.”
Another X user, @_safety_1 said, “Mr Federal Minister, Er!sco arrested Chioma, your office didn’t make a statement. Ibezim was arrested, your office didn’t make a statement.
“I find it assuring that there are no more principles to some y’all’s job description. Comforting to See that it’s okay to use ministerial office to pursue party errands. I can’t act surprised.”
@daniels_osi said, “Anytime someone uses these types of preambles to start a statement, and still ended it with #RenewedHopeAssured, just know that they are doing exactly what they stated that they are not doing. My brother, you’re doing it for your party. Say it with your full chest, nobody will beat you.”
Also, @Omolomo_o said, “Young man, you disappeared during the unlawful arrest of youths by EFCC who were students of OAU last year but e reach old man matter, you dey arise??
“We don’t even know you’re alive or you exist. That’s to show how useless you’ve been in this position..”
@shyna4me said, “This APC people are unbelievable. Are you saying if someone breaks the law and they belong to APC, you will keep issuing statements.
“You are a minister for youths(all youths) not minister for APC youths. Is Chioma not a youth? Did you issue a statement? You people should keep bastardizing the institutions in your favor and setting a mumu precedent.”
@ObiYhwh wrote, “Dear Minister for Youth, please we also need your urgent support – as we move to get this on the agenda of Baba Tinubu during his stay in Lagos this month.
“Baba will do a lot for youth education and tourism by visiting his two Lagos schools (Alma-mater), for the first time since 1999!”
Another X user @ohisthoughts said, “It’s quite unfortunate that you did not swing into action in the Chioma Okoli’s case. Says a lot about you, your party, its government and your priorities.”
While @NelOsuji said, “I guess your ministry is for the protection of APC youths regardless of their crime? This country is wild!”
