Akintoye, Turaki, others, lead NINAS’ 1m march to UN General Assembly | AgegePulse Magazine

...Wants referendum for self-determination

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Akintoye 

THE Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination, NINAS, yesterday, vowed to organise a One Million March in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States from 14th to 21st September, 2021 to demand for a referendum on self-determination and abolition of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

NINAS is the umbrella body of leading regional self-determination groups in the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria.

The 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, holds from 14th to 21st September, 2021.

In a statement by the Communications Manager to NINAS, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, stated that the One Million March is expected to be led by a renowned Historian, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye; respected Varsity Don, Prof. Yusuf Turaki;  the Secretary-General of NINAS, Mr. Tony Nnadi; and National Chairman of Ilana Omo Oodua, Professor Wale Adeniran, amongst others.

The statement reads: “We have read a trending statement authored by a faceless group demanding for the ban of Ilana Omo Oodua from making presentation before the world at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.

“We wish to say very expressly that Ilana Omo Oodua, contrary to media reports, will not be making any official presentation at UNGA.

What will be happening at UNGA is that the members of Ilana Omo Oodua under the leadership of Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye alongside other members of NINAS from the Lower Niger and Middle Belt of Nigeria will be holding a One Million March opposite the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States from 14th to 21st September, 2021 to demand for a referendum to decide on the rights to self-determination of the people who want an end to unitary systems of Nigeria which has been turned into an apartheid state.

“We shall also be demanding, first and foremost, for the abolition of 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which we have shown to be a fraud perpetrated against the people of the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria given that the people did not make it.

“All the sons and daughters of the South East, South South, South West and Middle Belt’s clans, living in the United States of America, are being mobilised to stand up for their Indigenous Nationalities by participating in the one week one Million March for the liberation of their people.

The planned march shall be historic and epoch-making. We want the whole world to see the level of injustice, oppression and intimidation currently going on in Nigeria. The time is now.”

Vang

Mandela Day Celebration: Egunjobi urges activists to emulate Late freedom fighter

Executive Chairman, Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alh. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, has called on Nigerian activists to emulate former South Africa President late Nelson Mandela.

Egunjobi made the charge when he received in audience a cross section of civil society organizations on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, in his office in celebration of the 100 years of the birth of late Nelson Mandela.

The centenary celebration was set aside by the United Nations to reflect on Mandela’s life and legacy and follow the deceased’s call to “make the world a better place”.

The Council chief appealed to his guests to emulate the late icon, saying he stood for truth in the face of persecution, oppression and imprisonment and did not betray the trust reposed in him by black South Africans.

He noted with concern the growing trend in Nigeria where some persons joined activism because of pecuniary gains saying the situation was a pointer to how low we have sunk in the country.

“It is sad that we go inordinate length to look for money including resulting to subtle blackmail under the cover of civil society organisations. We must be honest in our pursuits and play the game by the rule so that we can achieve Nigeria of our dream,” he enjoined.   

Decrying people’s apathy towards government, Egunjobi enjoined activists to lead the charge on citizen participation in governance saying, “People cannot complain of bad leadership and government if they stay aloof and do not keep public office holders and government officials on their toes. In developed climes, everybody is involved. I appeal to you, to mobilize people to developed interests in government’s activities at any level.”