Press Release Tuesday 17 November 2020
Chi Onwurah MP presents parliamentary petition calling on the UK to rally the international community to condemn the Nigeran military opening fire on protestors
Today Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah presented a petition to the House of Commons urging the government and the wider international community to condemn the Nigerian militaries’ use of force against peaceful protestors.
Chi said:
“The Nigerian diaspora in Newcastle is rightly concerned about Police Brutality in Nigeria, as well as corruption and lack of democratic accountability. I am pleased to have the opportunity to present this important petition and hope the Government will take action.”
Chi at the protest in Newcastle against the Nigerian Military firing on and killing demonstrators
The petition says:
To the House of Commons,
The petition of residents of the constituency of Newcastle Upon Tyne Central.
Declares that the British Government and wider international should condemn in the strongest possible terms the Nigerian military opening fire on protestors at Lagos Lekki Toll Gate on 20th October 2020 in which there are reports that 69 people were killed, of whom 51 are believed to be civilians, 11 police officers and 7 soldiers; further declares that these people were peacefully protesting against police brutality committed by, but not limited to, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take action to rally the international community and the ensure the Nigerian Government investigates the brutal violation of human rights in full, to encourage the relevant authorities to charge officers and soldiers guilty of killing unarmed protestors, to explore sanctions on the Nigerian Government if guilty of corruption, and to provide a strong voice against corruption and violence in Nigeria.
ENDS