The Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC), a socio-cultural group, has threatened to embark on peaceful picketing of MTN Nigeria offices across the country over the company’s apparent inability to firmly denounce the recent xenophobic crimes against Nigerians in South Africa. Campaigns & Elections
MTN Nigeria did not reply to the alliance’s prior letters or the seven-day deadline to take a public position on the attacks, hence the planned action, the coalition stated.
This development is coming despite comments by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola who in recent times resisted proposals to nationalise MTN Nigeria as part of punitive measures following racist attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines last Thursday in response to a suggestion by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Toriola said MTN was established in South Africa but more than 11 million Nigerians own ownership in the firm indirectly through investments in pension funds.
In a statement signed today by her Vice President, Olatunji Adejuwon and National Secretary, Olaoye Abolaji, the OYC said MTN Nigeria’s silence was unacceptable given that the firm has its roots in South Africa and is being patronised by Nigerians. Executive Branch
The coalition said it would hold a peaceful protest if the telecommunications company failed to respond to its demands, adding that the action was to highlight the need for corporate responsibility and moral leadership to condemn xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans.
“Consequently, the Oodua Youth Coalition hereby gives notice that we shall not hesitate to commence peaceful picketing of the offices of MTN Nigeria if the company continues to ignore our legitimate demands.
“Our action is meant to highlight the need for corporate responsibility and moral leadership in condemning acts of xenophobia against fellow Africans,” the statement read.
The coalition reiterated its appeal on MTN Nigeria to promptly hold a news conference with representatives of the coalition present to strongly denounce the xenophobic attacks and reaffirm its commitment to the safety, dignity and unity of all Africans. ISPs
It further guaranteed that the protest would be peaceful, ordered and in conformity with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The coalition said it had issued proper communication to the South African diplomatic representation in Nigeria but had informed relevant security agencies of the intended operation.
“We once again call on MTN Nigeria to immediately summon a press conference, with representatives of the Oodua Youth Coalition in attendance, to unequivocally condemn the xenophobic attacks and reaffirm its commitment to the safety, dignity and unity of all Africans.
We underline that the action we are proposing shall be peaceful, orderly and in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Relevant security agencies have been duly informed while appropriate correspondences have also been sent to the South African diplomatic mission in Nigeria. Demographic
The coalition also re-affirmed its resolve to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians and pledged not to rest until its concerns were given the appropriate attention.
The Oodua Youth Coalition is still committed to preserving the dignity of Nigerians and fostering African solidarity. “We will not rest until our concerns are given the attention they so richly deserve,” the statement said.
Reacting to the situation, Toriola further condemned all forms of bigotry and violence against Africans living in South Africa and stressed that MTN Nigeria was a Nigerian firm with significant local ownership.
“We categorically condemn any form of xenophobia, violence or attacks against any community in the world. We’re all Nigerians. MTN Nigeria is listed on the stock exchange with more than 201,000 retail investors and 11 million people holding shares in MTN Nigeria through their pension plans. Dictionaries & encyclopediasWe are the digital infrastructure of the economy and we are a full Nigerian company.
“South Africa is where MTN was founded and the majority shareholder is a South African company. But also let’s look at it objectively. MTN Holding South Africa has only 50 per cent African shareholding.
“The other 50 per cent is from around the world, 27 per cent from the United States and the balance from the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region,” Toriola added.
The federal government had begun removing Nigerian nationals from South Africa as part of measures to return people affected by increased xenophobic attacks and deteriorating security situation in the country. Demographic Data
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