2023 Election: Prominent Nigerians Call on US to Classify Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
Nigeria’s recent presidential election has been the subject of controversy and criticism, therefore the United States has been called upon by several prominent Nigerians to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) in light of allegations of election fraud and violations of religious freedom.
Rev. Barrister Emmanuel Ihim, the pioneer President of Diaspora Alliance Inc and convener of the movement, has urged the US President and the Secretary of State to classify Nigeria as a CPC due to the alleged violation of religious freedom and the fraudulent election.
He made the disclosure at White House in United States when he led a protest of tens of people over the outcome of the said election.
Ihim referred to the election as a “sham and shoddy” process that was deeply fraudulent and violated the rights of citizens.
Pat Utomi, another prominent Nigerian, spoke out against the wealthy and powerful individuals in Nigeria who are not engaged in productive work but instead, rely on state resources.
Utomi argued that a crisis of values has allowed unproductive individuals to assume leadership roles.
Emmanuel Ogebe expressed concern over the alleged association of a Nigerian politician with drug money laundering.
Ogebe argued that such an individual should not be allowed to assume a leadership role in Nigeria, which is the largest trade partner for the US in Africa and a key security partner on the continent.
In light of these concerns, the US is being urged to reject the manipulated election and to hold Nigerian President Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accountable.
The allegations of election fraud and religious freedom violations continue to be a contentious issue in Nigeria.
Notable speakers at the event include Congressman Smith, Christopher H, and members of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Robert Destro, attorney academic and former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Prof Pat Utomi, Political Economist, Professor of Entrepreneurship, and author; Chimamanda Adichie, Nigerian creative writer, and public speaker; Aisha Yesufu, Nigerian activist, socio-political reformer, and public speaker; and Rev. Barr. Emmanuel Ihim, author, public speaker, activist, and the Diaspora Alliance Executive President.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as Frank Wolf, author of the US International Religious Freedom Act (USIRFA), who served 34 years in US Congress and as Ambassador for the US International Religious Freedom Commission (USIRFC); Robert Destro, former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Prof Pat Utomi; Aisha Yesufu; Emmanuel Ogebe, public speaker, attorney, and political activist; and Ifeanyi Nwankwo, US Policy Expert on African Affairs and public speaker.
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