By Zephania Ubwani
The Citizen Bureau Chief
Arusha. Controversial Arusha Urban MP Godbless Lema was sent to remand yesterday after refusing to be bailed out even as he vowed to continue fighting for his people.

The youthful Chadema legislator who has been at loggerheads with government authorities refused to be bailed out in a case in which he and other Opposition party leaders were arraigned in court over illegal demonstrations.

After turning down a bail offer, he was whisked into the prison van like other suspects facing a range of charges. The vehicle sped away to Arusha Prison as many of his supporters watched helplessly at the Arusha Resident Magistrate's Court.

This means the embattled MP could stay behind bars for up to two weeks because his case comes up for mention on November 14, this year. Legal experts, however, say there is always the possibility of him being granted bail between now and when the mention is due. Prior to winning the hotly-contested Arusha Urban parliamentary seat during last year's General Election, Mr Lema had been a businessman. He was arraigned early this year alongside other Chadema leaders for allegedly spearheading an illegal demonstration.

The case has dragged on since late January although in between the legislator has appeared in court to defend his seat after some prominent citizens in Arusha, believed to be CCM members or supporters, filed a case to challenge his election last October.

News of the 'imprisonment' of the outspoken MP spread like wildfire in late afternoon with Mr Lema circulating a statement in which he vowed to continue fighting for the rights of Tanzanians and against all forms of discrimination.

He said his life and those of his associates had been in danger for a long time but added that he was not worried and that he would continue fighting against all vices from behind bars.

Mr Lema said in a statement circulated to the social media that he had opted to go to prison in order to express his feelings to many Tanzanians who have been deprived of their basic rights, including benefits from the country's abundant natural resources.

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