Wednesday, 23 May 2012
VIDEO: #OccupyNigeria Protesters In New York shut down Town Hall Meeting With Nigerian Foreign Minister of State
Nigerian activists from the Nigeria Liberty Democratic Forum (NDLF) last night protested at the Town Hall meeting called by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Adaku Onwuliri, shutting down the event until the New York Police Department was called in an hour later.
The meeting, which was scheduled to start at 6: 00 p.m., did not start until 7:45p.m, as the minister came late.
Prof. Onwuliri is one of three Ministers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of a top-heavy, free-spending government. About 10 days ago, in one of his broadcasts on the oil subsidy crisis, President Goodluck Jonathan said he would drastically cut down on foreign travel; Mrs. Onwuliri’s tour of the United States, like the lavish tour of South Africa of Mr. Jonathan’s team to the ANC 100th anniversary, is evidence of the emptiness of that pledge. The activists led by Bukola Oreofe of the NDLF waited patiently in the hall as officials of the Nigerian consulate in New York and organizers of the event started with opening prayers and the Nigerian national anthem. As soon as the anthem ended and the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York moved towards the podium to deliver a prepared speech, NDLF activists took over the microphone on the aisle which was set aside for those who wished to ask questions. They announced that the Minister was late, and pointing out that it was another sign of disrespect and contempt for Nigerians.
The activists were upset that a federal minister would be late to the very meeting for which she had travelled all the way from Nigeria at great public expense, noting that Nigeria continued to be governed and mismanaged so sloppily. The activists also explained why the downhill meeting would not hold in view of the killing of peaceful protesters during last week's OccupyNigeria movement rallies. As soon as the first speaker stated the mission of the protest, another speaker stepped up and announced that the meeting was over. Apparently, Nigerian officials who had anticipated such disruption had also mobilized and paid some Nigerians in the New York area to attack the protesters, as pandemonium and fights started in the hall.
It started with a certain Carl Ummuna and Bukola Shonuga who began shoving and verbally abusing protesters, claiming they were there to "protect the minister". But an unrelenting and sustained protest shut down the proceedings.
The Minister and her entourage could do nothing other than watch and threaten to invite hotel security and the police to arrest members of OccupyNigeria-New York. But when they contacted the NYPD, the officers at first declined intervention, asking the hotel security to sort things out with the protesters. Meanwhile, the undeterred group sang protest songs and gave intermittent speeches for about an hour. After hanging outside for close to 15 minutes a detachment of about eight policemen led by a sergeant entered the hall and appealed to the protesters for dialogue. When the protesters stepped out with the police, they explained that since the Nigerian embassy apparently paid for the hotel venue through an individual, they had to step in to restore order.
They also noted that they resisted any attempt to harass or arrest anyone for exercising the right to protest corruption on US soil.
Later, the officers accompanied the protesters, to pick up their winter jackets and personal effects. Some of them expressed satisfaction that the point had been made and that the Minister would have plenty to report to President Goodluck Jonathan about that the days of freewheeling corruption in the country were over. During that time, when the activists returned to pick their belongings, the program, which had hurriedly commenced, was disrupted again as protesters began another round of protests as police look on.
“Let this be a lesson to the crooks in Nigeria,” one protester said.
“For as long as they persist in their greed and corruption, there will be Nigerians wherever they go in the world waiting to welcome them with anger and disrespect.”
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Do africans Nigerian lack common sensibilities? (Occupy Nigeria)
Submitted by JAY DON (not verified) on May 7, 2012 - 18:23.
Its interesting that this activist group is headed by a certain tribal group yet no public official of the origin of its leadership has come under attack rather its one geopolitical group of all the 6 geopolitical groups has had its names attacked.
You are the tribalist until your records shows something different. Redeenm yourself from this perception then you would have my approval. Let there be challenges of other public officials of all the 6 geo-political region.
Sowere has a better record because there is evidence of him challenging the governor of Lagos state
The group doesnt appear to have democratic credentials in the way its constituted yet some shout that its tribalistic to question this one-sidedness.
Are you so blind and empty, so bereft of common sensibilities to know that there is something wrong in targeting only ministers from one ethnic group?
intelligent africans with ghetto mentality (Occupy Nigeria)
Submitted by jay DON (not verified) on May 7, 2012 - 18:18.
No doubt some of you are well meaning and de-tribalised Some of you are welll educated and very well exposed to other cultures ways and means of doing things
Your tactics are so far seem to lean more towards gangster methodology. How much do you really hope to achieve when you attend rallies not to reason and persuade, not to pass some some intelligent proposals, not to given some reason articualtion of the frustrations felt by many nigerians ?
Why do you not recognise that some of the newly appointed opfficials are people like you who have been drawn in to help and would rather need your asistance and support to make their mark at this begining stages?
Activism directed only at one particular ethnic zone it damages your image.
None intelligent to question the tactics used if it could be productive
None questioned why is this only towards one ethnic group...the only evidence so far points to that ....of course its beyond the primitive sensiblities of the average african
thanks
Submitted by mert34 (not verified) on April 23, 2012 - 20:45.
Classic Right to Free Speech
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 12, 2012 - 16:58.
I love it. This is sweet. Right to freedom of speech is a basic human right. If this was in Abuja, the protesters would have been arrested, beaten mercilessly and possibly killed by state security apparatus.
In that locale, the protest would have lasted no more than 5 minutes. God Bless America.
In fact, this is big let down
Submitted by Francis cole (not verified) on February 7, 2012 - 10:23.
In fact, this is big let down and destroyed the image of Nigeria. A minister for that matter sat down while the Country Anthem was on, and some the minister follow follow were just walkin around and they didnt even care. This already show the type of people we have in the goverment. The country just sinking down every day, every day. This shows that our leaders dont have love for the country beside looting and stealling what ever is available to steal.
I love that show, it was a
Submitted by Francis Cole (not verified) on February 7, 2012 - 10:15.
I love that show, it was a good one.Lets start to disgrace all these rogues any where they go in abroad.Just imagine the stupid ugly black monkey Minister of Internal affairs sat down while Nigerian National Anthem was on. Some of them were just walking around, and never care about the Anthem. Ha ha ha Nigeria don pafuka patapata oooo. The goverment must quary the minister and the rest, also they should be fired. This is some thing very serious. Jonathan you see the type of people in your goverment. Iam still wondering how all these yeye people got Ph.d proffesor.
re:
Submitted by gengen (not verified) on February 4, 2012 - 07:20.
protestors protest against something. A group of people get together and complain and show disliking to something. Usually something political. See the site below it helps you to find more information.
gengen
www.skilch.com
Watch It!!
Submitted by Mengistu Haile Mariam (not verified) on January 30, 2012 - 22:33.
@Isaiah Etukeren: You ain't got a reason to protest a damn thing. Akwa Ibom is by far the richest state in Nigeria. Go to economic confidential.com(facts and figures section) and you'd understand what I am talking about. Compare the figures with those of your neighbours like Cross River state and you don't have a foot to stand on one bit let alone complain about a thing. Who is zooming who here.You are the reason that Boko Haram is attacking everybody 'cos they think you are getting all the oil money while the Northern states get pittance. Dear watch your mouth and speak for yourself alone.
Scared??
Submitted by Mengistu Haile Mariam (not verified) on January 30, 2012 - 22:25.
Who the hell are you talking about? Do you understand how things work at all? You just can't open your mouth and start talking to yourself. Do you like hearing yourself or what. Be more specific and don't be afraid of a darn thing. Nobody is goan hurt you, you know.If you are this scared I suggest you go to your mama for protection.
You are stupid..
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 30, 2012 - 19:06.
You are stupid..
new york meeting
Submitted by isaiah etukeren (not verified) on January 30, 2012 - 14:42.
WE the akwa ibom people in the americas jion with our brothers in new york city to protest the injustice carried on in Nigeria against our people . we stand in solidarity with our brotheres protesting in the so called town hall meeting, when all nigerian will stand up and [rotest for thier right that will be the day we all be free,
it serves her right
Submitted by dunmoye gbenga (not verified) on January 29, 2012 - 01:14.
No member of Nigerian government cabinet deserves any respect any more bcos they are all birds of thesame feather in terms of lack of integrity.
Dear OBIGREAT and other
Submitted by Adebo (not verified) on January 28, 2012 - 22:26.
Dear OBIGREAT and other readers,
I agree with you about the actions of the kids, and disagree because despite their actions, their intention is for good leaders! Isn't that a desire we have in common?
Please let's all stop CRITICIZING one another weaknesses but rather focusing on our smaller strengthens to become ONE unstopping force to inspire a great future generation.
Thanks for reading and I hope we can help buildup each other. This is my opinion, what do you think?
Nigeria in a quandary D concern should B lets see D Refineries!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 27, 2012 - 15:10.
[The same Constitu...spells out that “the welfare & security of Nigerians shall be the primary purpose of government.”
No doubt about that, but D govt once voted into power needs time & co-operation from the opposition to provide such securities & benefits part of which is the Refineries in Nigeria. We don’t forget that they were left for too long unattended to! Granted the figures showing on the Budgets, this admin now says countrymen & women lets stop here & take stocks to determine the causes of the problems!
Like families all can’t perform exactly same in financial issues. The govt wants to cut back & repair refineries for jobs! All those against to be reminded that those B4 caused D collapse of the refineries by ousting Shehu Shagari illegally, reason why we withdrew our VOTE 4 them & will not even vote 4 them; Buhari preaches Sharia 4 Nigeria; they are killing us in Nigeria lest we forget! D debate should be let them repair the refineries & we see what happens!
shameless
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 27, 2012 - 09:38.
sorry sir, always use your head to think.
shame on the dishonourable minister kudos to patriotic Nigerians
Submitted by ele (not verified) on January 26, 2012 - 13:24.
oh oh! dont I just love ds guy? omoyele sowore. kudos to the other guys too. we have to keep telling it to them. It is a new generation and we wont continue to take their disregard for us.
so, she left the hotel reserved for her and went into a bigger one? shame on her!
What a disgraceful act
Submitted by OBIGREAT (not verified) on January 26, 2012 - 08:22.
Well! No man is criticised for advertising his ignorance in the public.the so called OCCUPY NIGERIA protest at the TOWN HALL MEETING once more shows that the organisers of occupy nigeria have political motives.They could have waited for the minister to deliver her speech and then asked her some brain washing questions which the minister may not be able to answer.I don't know the message that the so call PROTESTERS have passed across.
Hmm ...
Submitted by Anonymous2 (not verified) on January 25, 2012 - 22:59.
This Omoyele Sowore ... one hell of a guy!
He showed a lot of courage in telling that ministerial monkey and her goons where to get off, in telling it like it is to people who arent used to such forthrightness.
Well done, Bro - very well done!
International disgrace
Submitted by Gibreema (not verified) on January 25, 2012 - 13:34.
That action was a very good massage to the Nigerian looters called leaders,i expect the dishonorable minister of travel(state for foreign affairs) not to be surprise by that action because you will never continue to put a sand in a pot with the expectation that one day you will open and fetch rice.Nigerians have been treated badly by their leaders past and present and wonders when will be the right time for them to say no enough is enough with the attitude of some section of the country?should we wait until when a Yoruba man or Hausa man become the president then we demand for change?Everything has his own time and i think the time for a better governance is no other time but now after a wistful years of rigmarole.
OCCUPY THE OIL FIELDS
Submitted by Mengsitu Haile Mariam (not verified) on January 24, 2012 - 22:12.
I AM PUTTING FINISHING TOUCHES TO A NEW "OCCUPY" MOVEMENT. IT WILL BE CALLED "OCCUPY THE OIL FIELDS" AND IT WILL BE OPEN TO ONLY NIGER DELTANS. THIS TIME NOTHING MOVES. BELIEVE THERE WILL NOT BE ANY OIL TO SELL LET ALONE SUBSIDIZE. GET READY FOR THE SHOWDOWN Y'ALL.
Misguided Nigerian
Submitted by Bidemi (not verified) on January 24, 2012 - 19:11.
I am wondering what you want that irritant to be addressed as? Honourable Minister? or what? it saddens me when I hear Nigerians sound like you whether you live overseas or in Nigeria, it goes to show that no matter the suffering in Nigeria, the key problem is that we don't speak with one voice. SOWORE OMOYELE you are blessed!
Having said that, I do not think the word 'bastards' is on equal terms as violence that is met on Nigerians in Nigeria by the same fools
Stealing
Submitted by Ade Omo (not verified) on January 24, 2012 - 18:12.
Do you know that the former senator Jerry Ukokwe
came to New York with a check of $6.5 million US Dollars. This check was deposited in Jerry's bank account in New York
What a thief.
show of shame
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 24, 2012 - 12:15.
this is disgraceful and myopic....i know people have justifiable issues with the nigerian government...which runs like a lifeless and brainless body....but i believe that boy has a state governor,senators reps members,local government chairmen,councilors etc..has be protested against them?...even his childish banters in that hall are hollow,brash and lack substance..he shld have let the lady state her case and tackle them point by point...someone appears at a meeting and you deny them the opportunity to speak?...my GOD!this is trash..totally trash..i thought he would even carry the pictures of the dead pple or something..or brandish the name of the killer cop!!but this is against what?corruption?subsidy?bad governance?this guy has reduced himself to the status of a common gangster!
Bias
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 24, 2012 - 10:13.
Yoruba people are always jealous ,they don,t see anything good about any other tribe.Could that meeting had been disrupted if a Yoruba person came as a minister?The same thing was meted out to Ojo Maduekwe by Sowore or whatever he calls himselve when he was interviewing the later during Yara aduar's era,Come to think of it ,the most corrupt government officials are Yorubas,yet nobody ever embarrasses them when discharging their duties.Nigeria can never move forward with that kind of biased journalism.Don't publish this as usual,but truth will always prevail.
A MINISTER'S RESPECT FOR HER COUNTRY
Submitted by Wellington (not verified) on January 24, 2012 - 05:48.
Dear Nigerians, did you see a Minister of the federal republic of Nigeria sitting down while our anthem was on, refusing to stand or sing......may not even know it.
Other officials were just moving around the hall. They have no clue what an anthem of their country stands for yet they are our representatives and Minister in far away land.
New York Protest
Submitted by Yemi (not verified) on January 24, 2012 - 01:52.
I would like to commend you guys for your heroic protest in New York. Nigeria needs more of you guys. I wish I was there to participate. Please do not give up. If anybody is going to duplicate this effort, please find as many people as possible. I wish your number is more than the few we saw.
Another thing I noticed that should really aggravate us all is the lack of respect the minister of state and her entourage have for Nigeria. It is observed that they were siting down when our Nation Anthem was sang. What an arrogant people. Shame on you all.
Let us keep the protest going no matter where they go. Let us follow them to Chicago, Atlanta, and California. They can run, but they cannot hide. They are people of no conscience. We should not allow them to lie to us. If allowed they have succeeded.
My Belle coments
Submitted by Wellington (not verified) on January 23, 2012 - 22:04.
My dear, many Nigerians live for their stomach and groin, their speeches is about what is in it for my stomach.
They have been around long enough, they mean very little and care for nothing except food in their mouth. Don't waste time with them. There is struggle ahead.
Reply to anybody that finds fault in Sowore's action
Submitted by Dolapo Huthmann (not verified) on January 23, 2012 - 21:55.
You are simply put 'RETARDED!'..what this young man has done is bravity of the highest order.and most of us in diaspora should emulate this.if we continue to shut down such ridiculous meetings abroad they will learn to save such mney wasted on other things!
WE SHALL TRULLY OVERCOME
Submitted by Wellington, Nigeria (not verified) on January 23, 2012 - 21:53.
Some say the tape was doctored, but does that take away from the fact that this town hall meeting was wasteful, that the minister was late for the meeting, that she insisted on been lodged in a bigger hotel that cost more?
One day good will overcome evil, theft and greed in this land of Nigeria.
Thou men with courage like the one we saw at that meeting are few,, but they are not extinct. We will dare to change this land. Ride on brother
That was a brave one Mr.
Submitted by Anonymous9 (not verified) on January 23, 2012 - 12:01.
That was a brave one Mr. Sowore, but I´m dissappointed with the number of the Turn. If Nigeria would ever be liberated, the blind and corrupt lots holding such a meeting should not be given any chance. Mr Sowore do not be deterred my the opinionated mediocre that saying it should be like this or that. They have been around with their opinions since ages and yet nothing changes!
They mean u seek attention, but if every Nigerian should start seeking attention by fighting corruption, they will definately get mine.
Good move bro! Next time I hope more honest people will join u.
