to have a smooth sail in America where he went for an event, he must
have undermined the resolve of Nigerians in the diaspora to
effectively mobilize and ridicule government officials in order to
send a strong message of discontentment with the situation of things
at home.
Members of the New York-based Nigeria Liberty Democratic Forum (NLDF)
had earlier today staged a dramatic flash protest that forced Labaran
Maku to abandon New York City Day Independence parade. The parade is
an annual event organized by the Nigerian government and some Nigerian
organizations in the US.
The NLDF protesters were led by Bukola Oreofe, an official of the
group. The protesters had joined the colorful parade from 51st Street
and 2nd Avenue when word spread that Mr. Maku was the "Parade Marshal"
and led a troupe of Nigerian diplomats who waved the Nigerian flag at
different groups as they danced the Nigeria House on 44th Street.
The NDLF members staged their traditional protest march past the
Nigerian government officials. Shortly after, the protesters
penetrated the area where the Nigerian minister and other officials
were and began a flash protest. The protesters sang protest songs
against the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Facing the minister,
they shouted, "Go Home!" They also accused Nigerian officials of
corruption and insensitivity to the plight of the vast majority of
Nigerians.
One of the protesters told a correspondent of SaharaReporters that Mr.
Maku "should return to Nigeria. and sympathize with millions of
Nigerians who are currently besieged by a massive flood disaster that
has affected 22 states." So far, the floods have claimed the lives of
148 Nigerians.
Other protesters demanded that the minister help to fix Nigeria's
myriad problems to ensure that Nigerians can celebrate their
Independence Day in public without fear of terrorist attacks.
As the protests became charged, the Nigerian officials called in
police officers from the New York Police Department to drive the
protesters away. However, the NYPD officials showed no inclination to
force out the protesters. Instead, the officers stood guard around the
protesters to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Once it became clear to the Nigerian delegates that NYPD officers
would not force the protesters to leave, Mr. Maku and the diplomats
left the stage and hurriedly retired inside the Nigeria House. Their
disappearance brought the parade to an abrupt end.
The jubilant protesters continued to sing protest songs and addressed
onlookers about the deplorable condition of their country. They warned
that more protests against Nigerian officials visiting the US would be
planned and staged.
-SaharaReporters