Some Nigerians from different parts of the United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday embraced the Labour Party’s presidential candidate fever as they gathered in London to celebrate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary in his name.
The celebration also saw the crowd march to iconic places that include the Trafalgar Square.
The Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, laid out in the early 19th century around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. According to its Wiki profile, its centre is a high column bearing a statue of Admiral Nelson commemorating the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The battle took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar; the British navy established dominance at sea in the Napoleonic Wars over the fleets of France and Spain.
The site around Trafalgar Square had been a significant landmark since the 1200s. For centuries, distances measured from Charing Cross have served as location markers.The site of the present square formerly contained the elaborately designed, enclosed courtyard, King’s Mews. After George IV moved the mews to Buckingham Palace, the area was redeveloped by John Nash, but progress was slow after his death, and the square did not open until 1844. The 169-foot (52 m) Nelson’s Column at its centre is guarded by four lion statues. A number of commemorative statues and sculptures occupy the square, but the Fourth Plinth, left empty since 1840, has been host to contemporary art since 1999. Prominent buildings facing the square include the National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Canada House, and South Africa House.
The square has been used for community gatherings and political demonstrations, including Bloody Sunday in 1887, the culmination of the first Aldermaston March, anti-war protests, and campaigns against climate change. A Christmas tree has been donated to the square by Norway since 1947 and is erected for twelve days before and after Christmas Day. The square is a centre of annual celebrations on New Year’s Eve. It was well known for its feral pigeons until their removal in the early 21st century.
A statement issued by Ms Asa Blessing-Chijekwu, Global Head, Press, Peter Obi Presidential Global Network (PPGN) quoted the Coordinator, Dr Michael Chukwujekwu, as saying that about 20 different groups collaborated to organise the rally.
Chukwujekwu said that the supporters which collapsed under the UK Support Groups Coalition for Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti-Ahmed came from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
“We marched through the major streets of London to Trafalgar Square, Nigeria high Commission and 10 Downing Street.
“October 1 is remembered for our independence from colonial rule and the rally that followed was to ensure that at her 62 years, a credible election is organised in Nigeria come 2023.
“We also used the opportunity to galvanise support for our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who demonstrated verifiable capabilities, capacity, and public trust with management of public resources.
“It may not be mere coincidence that Nigeria is 62 years old today, and Peter Obi will be 62 years old come 2023, a year of general election.
“Obi does not have egocentric character and he can rescue Nigeria from its challenges. He has the capacity for productivity, strength, and ability, and he is wanted by majority of Nigerians,” Chukwujekwu said.
He noted that public opinion polls so far conducted ranked him the most popular candidate for the job.
“Nigeria will be united, productive, economics and social amenities as well as infrastructure will work again if Obi emerges.
“Education system will work again. There will be employment and security.
“Mineral resources will be better developed and managed, while power and electricity will be available and sustainable,” he added.
