The Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC), a socio-cultural organisation, has threatened to stage peaceful picketing at MTN Nigeria offices across the country over what it described as the company’s failure to take a strong public stance against recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
In a statement jointly signed by its Vice President, Olatunji Adejuwon, and National Secretary, Olaoye Abolaji, the coalition said the planned protest followed MTN Nigeria’s alleged failure to respond to its earlier correspondence and a seven-day ultimatum demanding a public condemnation of the attacks.
According to the group, MTN Nigeria’s silence is unacceptable, considering the company’s South African origins and the patronage it enjoys from millions of Nigerians.
The coalition said it would proceed with a peaceful demonstration if the telecommunications company continued to ignore its demands, stressing that the action was aimed at promoting corporate responsibility and moral leadership in speaking out against xenophobia.
“We hereby give notice that we shall, without hesitation, commence a peaceful picketing of MTN Nigeria’s offices if the company continues to ignore our legitimate demands. Our action is intended to draw attention to the need for corporate responsibility and moral leadership in condemning acts of xenophobia against fellow Africans,” the statement read.
The group also urged MTN Nigeria to immediately convene a press conference, with representatives of the coalition in attendance, to unequivocally condemn the attacks and reaffirm its commitment to the safety, dignity and unity of all Africans.
It added that the proposed protest would be peaceful, orderly and conducted in accordance with Nigerian law, noting that relevant security agencies and the South African diplomatic mission in Nigeria had been informed of the planned action.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerians, saying it would continue its advocacy until its concerns receive the desired attention.
Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria has maintained that it condemns all forms of xenophobia and violence against Africans living in South Africa.
Speaking during a recent television interview, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, said MTN Nigeria is a Nigerian company with substantial local ownership, despite being founded in South Africa.
According to Toriola, more than 201,000 retail investors and about 11 million Nigerians indirectly own shares in MTN Nigeria through pension fund investments. He added that while the parent company is South African, its shareholder base is international, with investors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
Toriola stressed that MTN Nigeria remains committed to Nigeria and unequivocally condemns xenophobia, violence and attacks against any community.
The renewed calls come as the Federal Government continues efforts to evacuate Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and worsening security conditions in South Africa.
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