Update: A group, ‘Save Nigeria’, yesterday asked President Umaru Yar’Adua to respect the constitution of the country by allowing it to take its course in this period of national emergency. The group advised the president to shun deception by according honour to the sanctity of the 1999 Constitution in the interest of democracy. Rising from its meeting held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, the organisation also asked the president to address the nation on the radio and television on the state of his health.
Sources close to the group said the members have resolved to stage a march to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) to protest the prolonged absence of the president and violation of the constitution which stipulates that there should be no vacuum.
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The save Nigeria Protest in London now moved to 15 January 2010
You need to join the multitude to fight for your country. If you fail to join, the stigmatisation will continue to affect us and the future of our children. Farouk’s incident could be a blessing in disguise to all Nigerians in addressing weaknesses in our democratic system and earning the respect we duly deserve at both national and international communities. Stand up and be counted!!!
• Where is President Musa Yar’Adua?•
Nigerian government should respect the constitution•
Sovereign National Conference now!•
Stop the criminalisation of Nigerians!•
Nigerians are no terrorists!•
Respect the Rights of Nigerians!
The Save Nigeria Working Group met with the London Metropolitan Police on Friday 8 January 2010 at the Charing Cross police station to review our application for a protest march that was initially scheduled for Tuesday 12th January 2010. Concerns were raised that more people than expected were indicating an interest to attend. In order for the police to adequately protect both participants and members of the public, it was agreed that the protest will be moved to Friday 15 January 2010.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday 15 January 2010 – London12 pm – 15:15 arrival and protest at Parliament Square SW1P315:15 – 17:30 protest moves to Nigerian High Commission (WC2N 5BX)
If possible bring your flags, placards and come dressed in the Nigerian colours of green and white. Organisers will also provide banners and placards on the day.
For further information please contact:Phone: 07984212553
Email: info@nigerialibertyforum.org.uk
Web: http://www.nigerianlibertyf
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The source added that plans were also underway to mobilise the various stakeholders, including students, artisans, peasants, labour and other professionals to participate in the peaceful protest.
In its communiqué, ‘Change Nigeria’ also emphasised the need for electoral reforms before 2011. It reads: ‘
‘The Save Nigeria Group after an exhaustive meeting on the State of the Nation, could not but lament on the dangerous slide of Nigeria into a failed state, worsened by the power vacuum and absence of C-IN-C in Nigeria for the past 45 days.
‘The group is also worried that as we approach 2011 elections, the genuine Electoral Reform promised by President Umaru Musa Yaradua during his inauguration, seems to be vanishing due to lack of political will and outright refusal to implement the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee Bills.
‘On the power vacuum and absence of C-IN-C, we are disturbed that available records show clearly that it is self simulated as the 1999 Constitution has made elaborate provisions in the event that a president embarks on vacation or is indisposed; we therefore could not reconcile the orchestra of deception being conducted. Consquently we resolve and demand as follows:-
‘We call on Nigerians to wake-up and stand up to salvage our fledgling democracy and our dear country, by joining the Save Nigeria Group in our crusade to halt the slide of Nigeria to failed state and quasi-dictatorship; we sh
‘We demand that President Umaru Musa Yaradua address the nation publicly through Radio Nigeria, Nigeria Television or any authoritative meduim; for we are outraged with the story that he talked to some key officials, for Gods sake he is the president of the country.
‘ We call on President Yaradua to forthwith avail himself of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution; for the safety of our fledgling democracy, security of our dear country and for his speedy recovery’.
Signatories to the communiqué are
Dr Tunde Bakare, Professor Pat Utomi, Alhaji Shetima Yerima, Mr Femi Falana, Mr Osita Okechukwu , Mr Solomon Asemota Mallam Salihu Lukman, Mr Yinka Odumakin, Mrs Ayo Obe, Dr Tunji Abayomi, Pastor Sarah Omaku, Mr Adeolu Akinyemi, Mr Fred Agbeyegbe, Hon Olawale Oshun, Mrs Morayo Fawehinmi, Biodun Sowunmi, Dr Joe Okei- Odunmakin , Debo Adeniran, Reverend Tayo Popoola, Alfred Ilenre, Pastor Sam Aiyedogbon, Prince Oye Oyewunmi, Mallam Uba Sanni, Prof Ropo Sekoni, Mr Babafemi Ojudu, Naseer Kura , Ahmed Mustapha, Benedict Ezeagwu , Dipo Famakinwa, Malam Yinusa Tanko, Bisi Adegbuyi, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Barrister M.M Soba, Rev Segun Oshinaga, Wilson Ajuwa, Achike Chude, Olasupo ojo, Nana Dawodu, Eniola Opeyemi, Mike Igini, Funmi Olunuga, Afolabi Gbajumo, Tony Nnadi, Tola Ayo-Adeyemi , Chike Maduegbuna, Yinka Quadri, Modupe Oyekunle, Keji Ajayi, Christian Love
9 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BX encouraged to come with Nigerian flag. Homemade banners, dress warm . contact 07984212553 or e mail info@… London Metropolitan Police will provide security.
Key point for Protest:
Nigerians are no terrorists
Stop the criminalisations of Nigerians,
Fight against corruption
and add as you may wish
Ph: +61 2 6282 7411. Time: 12 PM. Tuesday 12th January 2010. Contact Abiola Falayajo Jr. abifas@… for more details.
Hoping to break the power vacuum and constitutional gridlock in the country, a new group of patriotic Nigerians will next week embark on major streets protests in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, London and New York to protest Umaru Yar’Adua’s refusal to hand power over to his deputy before he was evacuated abroad on medical grounds as determined by the constitution.
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