{joomplu:1217}Nigerians from throughout the United Kingdom and Europe gathered in an 'Enough is Enough' rally in London, demanding good governance in Nigeria, and to know the whereabouts of President Umaru Musa Yar Adua.
Despite the freezing weather conditions, the Nigerians from several organisations marched through Central London in an impressive turnout that began as early as 10.30am, in front of United Kingdom Parliament Square.
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They waved flags and banners, and enthusiastically distributed leaflets to tell the whole world about the irresponsible state of Nigerian leadership and the suffering and abandonment of the people in the midst of the nation’s abundant resources.
They chanted a variety of slogans:
• 'President Yar Adua of Nigeria, where are you?
• BBC, stop the lies!
• Nigerians are not terrorists!
• We deserve good governance in Nigeria!
• Enough is Enough of corrupt leaders!
• USA must de-list Nigeria from Terrorist list!
Addressing the crowd, Kayode Ogundamisi, Convener of Nigeria Liberty Forum and one of the organisers of the protest, affirmed that Nigerians in the country did not need the approval of the Nigeria High Commission to go ahead with the event, or to seek to reclaim Nigeria from the looters and corrupt leaders.
History, he said, was on the side of the participants. “We are here today for both the present and unborn generations of Nigeria. We are tired of corrupt leaders since independence. We might be living abroad but we must not forget our roots and I am also using this rally to advise parents to allow their children to know the original history of Africa and Nigeria. They must also learn the languages not just speak the English language, because that would amount to mental and psychological slavery.”
Mr Ogundamisi saluted the courage of the two patriotic Nigerians who demonstrated in front of the Nigeria Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine this week, without waiting for a large turnout of fellow Nigerians to join them.
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Others speaking at the rally included Hon Wale Oshun, a pro-democracy activist; Akintokunbo Adejumo, Global Co-ordinator of Champions for Nigeria; Chuma Nwokolo, a UK-based Nigerian writer and political activist; Comrade Abdul Mahmud,veteran Student leader and political activist; Comrade Shina Oyedeji, London- based political activist; Zaynab Galadima,Youth activist/blogger; Dayo Israel,a Nigerian youth activist/Preacher; Abby Ojo,Co-ordinator of United and Positive Change in Nigeria(UPCINN); Olukoya,a legal practitioner and member of Action Congress UK; and Comrade Olamide Ayodeji of Ekiti Patriotic Front.
They demanded respect for the Nigerian constitution, good governance, and transparency in the nation’s democracy.
Mr. Nwokolo stated that in 50years of Nigeria's independence from the British, Nigeria has been mis-governed and looted dry by one single tribe of 'chronic thieves,' not just Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo or Ijaw. Now was the right time to reclaim Nigeria to take its leadership role in the comity of respected nations around the world, he said.
Lamenting lack of basic amenities as well as the infrastructural decay in Nigeria despite the abundant resources and manpower, Comrade Oyedej challenged Nigerians to participate well in the next elections so as to prevent looters and corrupt leaders from getting back to power. “Our government officials continue to fail to provide basic essentials for the people, the reason why our leaders will always go to both Europe/America and now oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to seek medical care with our money,” he said. “We need to stop this trend and liberate our people.”
Comedian Obonjo, a talented Nigerian comedian, added glamour to the rally with his political satires and rib-cracking jokes. He also launched his “YES WE FIT!” campaign.
At the Nigerian High Commission, representatives of the major organisations submitted protest letters and petitions to be passed across to Nigeria Federal government of Nigeria in Abuja.
The well-attended rally only had two British police officers assigned to the event, a clear indication that Nigerians in the Diaspora are law-abiding. A majority of the Nigerians said they had taken the day off work and travelled long distances to be part of history in London. Such Nigerians came from far places in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France to witness the historic event despite the freezing weather.
Among the notable organisations represented were the Nigeria Liberty Forum, Action Congress UK, Ekiti Patriotic Front UK, UPCINN, and Save Nigeria Group UK.
Ms Ojo stated that to move Nigeria forward now depends on a united front of all Nigerians and the need to tell those in the corridor of power that 'Enough is Enough' since for too long, Nigerians have been taken for a rough ride.
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