Nigerians across the length and width of the United States of America turned out en mass to Washington DC gathered at about noon in a freezing weather to call on the government of Nigeria as well as the international communities to give a free, fair and credible election come February and March this year.
At a peaceful demonstration held at the premises Nigeria Embassy, along 3519 International Ct. NW, Washington, DC 20008, Nigerians also advocated strongly for violence-free polls.
Less than an hour into the rally, two police officers approached the organizer of the rally: The Executive Director of HOPe Africa to ask some security questions which include, if they were approved, possessed a permit, duration; how long was the rally going to be and if it was peaceful. The reason being that the colossal turnout superseded the approved number and was contained without any issue.
It was also noticed that Nigerians who were at the embassy for consular services joined the demonstration. Among them was a young lady identified as Adeze who agreed to a special request for interview among others.
Miss Adeze talked on various burning issues and acknowledged the need for immediate change because of the call from families and relations in Nigeria, asking for money has increased by more than 1000%, owing to lack of enabling environment and corrupt governance.
Naomi and Gangully Abashe became notable at the event, as they volunteered throughout the entire assembly in collaboration with the law enforcement agents. Gangully took some photographs and video while Naomi conducted a couple of interviews.
A letter was delivered at the gate of the embassy for the Nigerian government immediately for consideration; titled: Grant Free, Fair and Transparent Election in February 16, 2019.
Contained in the letter are slogans, that are boldly highlighted on their respective handheld signs, more signs were strategically displayed on the ground.
The letter was signed by Prof Isa Odidi, the Director Diaspora Directorate, PDP Presidential Council and the Chairman Committee on Diaspora PDP Presidential Council.
In attendance of the rally are quite several reputable organizations and individuals, amongst which are CISLAC Global, HOPe Africa, Nigeria Atiku Diaspora Organization (AtikuDO), Professionals, Nigeria United Organization, Atiku 4 Diaspora and PDP USA.
The spokesperson of the group, Engr. Francis John was very pleased with the turnout of print and electronic media at short notice. According to him, “this signifies the importance of our presence here and the messages we possess, serving as an early warning sign not to disintegrate Nigeria again, thereby causing serious immigration catastrophy and upsurge to the Africa Continent.
“The gathering is here present today to join teeming Nigerians, US, UK, EU in reiterating:
• Free and Fair Elections
• Nigeria at a Crossroad
• Stop Hate Speeches
• Fight Corruption Transparently
• Grant Election Monitors Full Access & Security
• Stop the Killings
• #TheWolrdisWatchingNigeria
• International Agencies StepUp
• Nigeria is Critical to America and the World
• This is Africa’s Most Important Election
• No Voters Intimidation by the Police
• Sign the Electoral Act into Law
Regardless of the government’s positions, suspicious movements, the entire exercise must be based on the following global practices:
• Respect for the Rule of Law and the doctrine of Separation of Powers, as enshrined in the Constitution.
• Guaranteed independence of all institutions that protect Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy (e.g. the National Assembly and the Judiciary, as well as INEC, Human Rights Commission, the Ombudsman, the police and other law enforcement and security institutions etc.
• Supported by the observance and practice of the tenets of good governance: Responsibility, Accountability, Transparency and Fairness, as well as independence, discipline and social responsibility.
“All of these life-threatening, manipulations and hodge-podge conditions to the detriment of rights of Nigerians are not acceptable. Regardless, this must encompass Nigeria’s long-term growth, sustainability and competitiveness, as well as the success of the forthcoming elections in Nigeria.
Invariably, INEC should act independently and be well resourced with the necessary financial, human and material resources to deliver on their mandate effectively. INEC must specifically consider, the lessons from Osun and Ekiti States to ensure avoidance of similar controversies and not to be seen taking sides.
“We also wish to specifically highlight the importance of guarding the independence of our Judiciary. All assertions of impropriety should be handled in observance of our laws.
“Today’s convergence supports all efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. We, however, believe that corruption should be combatted without fear or favor. We condemn statements attributed to the leadership of the All Progressive Party (APC) that: “join the party and your sins would be forgiven.”
This assembly is expected to continue in diaspora at all embassy locations and we encourage others do the same peaceful rallies. Our next locations are the Nigeria Consulate in New York and Atlanta.
Engr. Francis John
Executive Director
HOPe Africa
