Two months after, #EndBadGovernance leader, ‘Lenin’ regains freedom

Two months after being arrested by security agents, one of the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests has been released.

Michael Adaramoye ‘Lenin,’ who was arrested on August 5 on the orders of the National Security Agency (NSA), was released last week from Kuje Prison after meeting his bail condition.

Recall that a Federal High Court at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had on September 11 granted bail to Lenin and nine other #EndBadGovernance protesters under stringent bail conditions which included a surety each with a N10 million bond and landed property in Abuja.

In a statement, Adaramoye, who doubles as National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), applauded other activists and legal practitioners who ensured his freedom, including renowned human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, and celebrity lawyer Deji Adeyanju, among others.

He called for a united struggle of the oppressed to resist all anti-people policies of the government.

He said: “My release (on bail) after 59 days of incarceration would have been impossible without the committed agitation of comrades, friends, and supporters. Once again, we showed that the power of the people is superior to the people in power.

“I appreciate my comrades in the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) and the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI). Together, we shall continue to hold the spotless banner of socialism. I also thank activists, socialists, and trade unionists, locally and internationally, for the solidarity.

“I appreciate the efforts made by Comrade Omoyele Sowore and comrades of the TIB movement. Your roles in the #EndBadGovernance protest and the consequent campaign for the release of all detained protesters are commendable.

“I must equally extend my appreciation to all socialist groups, including the Network of Abuja Left groups. The notable contributions of human rights organizations, both local and international, are all appreciated. Thanks to ActionAid and other NGOs for standing against the falsehood of the Tinubu government.

“The legal support we received from Femi Falana, SAN, Olumide Fusika, SAN, Barr. Abubakar Marshal, Deji Adeyanju, NBA, and Hope Behind Bars Africa, among others, were very instrumental to my freedom. The support from media friends and supporters who tirelessly created public awareness helped our struggle in great measure.

“However, the struggle is far from over. To Tinubu’s senseless dictatorship and attack on the masses, we must respond with mass struggle. Our experience has shown that we need a united struggle of the oppressed to resist all anti-people policies of the government. The #EndBadGovernance movement should be built into a rallying force for the masses to fight against the anti-people policies of the pro-capitalist regime of the Tinubu government.”

Last month, a group of 67 civil society organisations condemned the President Bola Tinubu administration for consistently suppressing dissenting voices and undermining Nigeria’s civic space.

The coalition criticised the administration’s governance style and policies, stating that they have worsened socioeconomic issues and fostered a culture of fear where legitimate concerns are met with violence instead of constructive dialogue.