Members of Nigeria Liberty Forum (NLF) fulfilled their promise to protest Olusegun Obasanjo’s presence at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) today.
According to sources, about 150 protesters composed largely of Congolese, Nigerian and other African citizens in London, stormed the premises of the LSE, forcing the authorities to smuggle the former Nigerian leader into the venue through the Student’s Union cafeteria adjacent to the lecture theatre. The LSE had cancelled public and media participation in the event, and restricted participation to academic staff and students, stating that threats from the protesters on several websites had compelled it to take those measures. The institution also cancelled press passes for Nigerian journalists. The Metropolitan Police, which granted the protesters permission to demonstrate, were kept busy between 6: 00 Pm London time till 9:00 PM when Obasanjo left the venue after he was practically held “hostage” by the protesters who refused to leave until they had pelted his car with eggs and rotten tomatoes.
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NLF leader, Mr. Kayode Ogundamisi told Saharareporters amidst chants by protesters that the protest was a huge success going by the unprecedented attendance by committed Africans in London that came to shame Obasanjo at LSE. He said that going by the efforts LSE had to make to justify Obasanjo’s invitation to the event and take care of him, that the message had been received by the LSE and other Western –based organizations that the days of selective justice for African serving and former dictators going.
Mr. Ogundamisi stressed that his movement had already frustrated the international attempt by the LSE and others to smuggle Obasanjo into diplomatic and political respectability by making him a hero of the peace efforts in the DRC, whereas Obasanjo was a war-monger and a hater of democracy who had managed to get away with genocide in his home country, Nigeria. Obasanjo could not depart the LSE until 9 PM, even though his lecture had ended at 8:00PM.
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