In London, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, Mohammed Maidugu, faced backlash after insulting Take-It-Back Movement activists during their protest against Nigeria’s governance. The movement, led by Omoyele Sowore, has organized protests for four years, advocating for accountability, and against corruption and human rights abuses. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Nigerian officials and citizens’ demands for better governance.
A recent protest in front of the Nigerian High Commission in London saw the Acting High Commissioner, Mohammed Maidugu, accused of verbally assaulting pro-democracy activists from the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement UK. This demonstration, which marked the fourth consecutive year of the movement’s protests against Nigeria’s governance issues, aimed to highlight ongoing corruption and human rights violations in the country. Led by Omoyele Sowore, the activists demanded accountability and improved governance from Nigerian leaders.
In a viral video shared by the TIB Movement, Mr. Maidugu was seen dismissing the concerns of the protesters, instead resorting to insults. An activist challenged him by stating, “I am a Nigerian. Are you not a Nigerian? Are you happy with the governance? Are you happy with the misgovernance of your country? You must be.” Rather than engage constructively, Maidugu remarked that he would speak only to individuals who possessed “sense,” which incited further frustration among the demonstrators.
The Take-It-Back Movement has consistently organized high-profile protests, both within Nigeria and internationally. They have raised their voices against police brutality, economic struggles, and government corruption, actively mobilizing in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, as well as in countries like the UK, US, and Canada. Despite facing crackdowns, including the illegal arrest of their leader Sowore during the RevolutionNow protests, the movement remains resolute in its commitment to advocacy.
The confrontation between Maidugu and the protesters has drawn renewed criticism towards Nigerian government officials, who many believe are disconnected from the realities faced by the populace. The ongoing Monday demonstrations in London have come to symbolize a steadfast resistance to the Nigerian government’s oppressive practices, particularly highlighting the failure to address core issues affecting citizens’ lives.
The protests led by the Take-It-Back Movement UK serve as a crucial platform for raising awareness about Nigeria’s governance issues. Despite derogatory remarks from officials like Maidugu, the activists remain determined to demand accountability and change. This incident underscores the significant disconnect between government officials and the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, further fueling the movement’s momentum.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
