Scuffle: NLF and OAN

Three State governors, Bukola Saraki (Kwara State), Ibrahim Shekaru (Kano State) and Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna State) were in attendance. Carrying a huge Nigerian flag with inscription, “Obasanjo Must Go" “Atiku Must Go" “No Babangida, No Corruption" “Justice for the Niger Delta" “Corrupt Governors Go Home," members of the NLF converged in Manhattan on the corner of 54th Street and 2nd Avenue to convey a strong message to the current rulers of Nigeria; they have mismanaged the country and her resources.



NYPD and protester

Another source of trouble at the New York City Independence parade arose when the protesters sang the old Nigerian National Anthem which led the organizers to abandon singing the new national anthem midway. This caused embarrassment among the Nigerian Consulate officials and visiting government officials. Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, who was present at the celebrations, looked confused as the Nigerian officials squirmed with embarrassment. Shortly thereafter, the high ranking and influential Democratic Congressman left. The organizers of the parade, Organization of the Advancement of Nigeria (OAN), a pro-government group, tried in vain to deny the protesters a chance to be part of the line up. This led to a scuffle between the organizers and members of the NLF. Eventually, members of the pro-democracy group were allowed to participate in the parade. Officers of the New York City Police Department watched from the sidelines as arguments raged between the OAN and NLF.

Several groups, including the protesters, marched from 54th street to 44th street where the Nigerian embassy is located. Top government officials including governors were at the Nigerian embassy to receive Nigerians marching in the parade. The protesters led by the NLF did not acknowledge salute from the governors and representatives of the Nigerian government. Rather, the protesters started chanting anti-government slogans and singing anti-government songs. They denounced the state governors for wasting public funds to travel to New York City to celebrate Independence while abandoning Nigerians and their respective states.

The protesters demanded to send a direct message to the President. Their demands were denied as they were refused entrance into the VIP area. The commotion that ensued caused some distress to the assembled dignitaries including Gov. Bukola Saraki. The Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi moved away from the front row. Two leaders of the Nigeria Liberty Forum, Omoyele Sowore and Bukola Oreofe, were allowed to deliver a letter of protest to Obasanjo. The letter detailing the atrocities of the government was handed to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State.

The commotion created by the protests, gathered momentum and led to an abrupt end of the parade. The governors were taken to a previously prepared podium where they gave speeches. The protesters later stormed the podium. This led to a stampede. Officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) were called in and they led the protesters away. The governors left the venue and did not return for a reception in their honor. The reception, which was to be held on the 21st floor of the Nigeria House, was scheduled to start at 7:00 PM. Consulate officials asked people to leave two hours after the reception was supposed to have begun.