Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed concerns over the calls to boycott Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) following the arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).(The Guardian Nigeria)
In a statement, Olayinka questioned the potential impact of such a boycott on the bank’s employees, many of whom are family members and friends of those advocating for the boycott. He stated:(The Guardian Nigeria)
“If you pull down Guaranty Trust Bank because one person was arrested in the bank, what will happen to those working and earning their living there? Some of them, their family members and friends are staff of GTB o. Sense far from some people walahi. Boycott ko, Girlcott ni.” (The Guardian Nigeria)
Olayinka also mentioned his long-standing relationship with the bank, noting that he has been a customer for nearly two decades. He criticized those leading the boycott, referring to one as an “Online Baseless Lawyer and Human Rice and Beans Hacktivist.” (The Guardian Nigeria)
The controversy began after VDM was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a GTBank branch in Abuja. VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, alleged that the bank facilitated the arrest by detaining VDM inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes, allowing EFCC operatives to apprehend him. Adeyanju has vowed to take legal action against GTBank for the alleged inhumane treatment of his client.
In response to the backlash, GTBank released CCTV footage showing VDM leaving the banking hall unimpeded, asserting that the bank had no involvement in his arrest.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with various public figures weighing in on the matter. While some support the boycott as a form of protest against perceived injustices, others, like Olayinka, caution against actions that could negatively affect innocent employees and the broader economy.
Leave a Reply