CONFUSION: As Buhari Attends UNGA: Two Nigerian Groups, Pro-Governnent and Anti-Government Protesters Clash In New York Over State Of Nation

CONFUSION: As Buhari Attends UNGA: Two Nigerian Groups, Pro-Governnent and Anti-Government Protesters Clash In New York Over State Of Nation 

September 21, 2021

Two opposing Nigerian groups on Monday clashed in New York, United States, over developments in the country. 

The groups converged on Nigerian House on 42nd Street, 2nd Avenue, canvassing opposing views about the conditions in Nigeria and its unity. 

The protests came as President Muhammadu Buhari began his scheduled activities related to the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at a venue a stone throw away from the Nigerian Mission. 

The first group of Nigerians in Diaspora said they were at the venue to show their support for their fatherland as world leaders assembled for the annual event. 

Led by Emmanuel Duara, the group, by the name “One Nigeria Group,” expressed support President Muhammadu Buhari and the indissolubility of the country. 

Speaking to reporters amid chants of “one Nigeria,” he said: “We are the biggest country in Africa and the biggest black country in the whole world. Whatever is going on among tribes in Nigeria, let us sit down and settle it.” 

He spoke of the successes of the various flagship programmes undertaken by the Buhari administration since 2015. 

The group members waved the Nigerian national flag, wore T-shirts and displayed banners announcing progress made, their commitment to one Nigeria and a yearning for peace and progress. 

They were, however, matched by anti-Buhari protesters who called for a referendum to determine the fate of the country. 

Also speaking to reporters, one of the leaders, Foluso Aruleba, highlighted the various problems confronting Nigeria as a nation, asserting that there can be no peace without justice. 

She regretted that the Buhari administration had continued to borrow money with the declining value of the Naira. 

Aruleba said she was speaking for all the indigenous people of Nigeria and demanded for referendum, adding that United Nations should go back to the drawing table.