US-based musician and peace activist Prince Ayo Ajisebutu has called on the global community to join Nigerians all over the world in a candlelight vigil in honour of those who died during the recent #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.
Ajisebutu, in a statement made available to Qed.ng says he is particularly saddened by the reported shootings of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos by men in military uniform on October 20.
“Prior to the nationwide protest,” the statement said, Ajisebutu “had sued for peace, having sensed a volatile omen, and urged the citizens to embrace love as the only virtue that can save Nigeria from possible genocide.”
The social commentator wants a vigil to be held in every city around the world at nightfall on Sunday, November 15, calling on people of goodwill globally to observe a sit-at-home if they cannot join gatherings in their community.
“We should come together as a united human race to honour these brave youths that were asking their government to protect and care for them.
“Unfortunately the same military that was supposed to protect them reportedly took their lives.
“Let’s come together and stand with their families, for their pain is our pain. When one of us is hurting we all feel it because we are all connected,” he said.
The goal of the vigil, according to him, is to get the global community to spiritually lift up Nigeria and its people, and to reassure all that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
“The candlelight vigil for the untimely death of the protesters also symbolizes light of hope for all Nigerians. It signifies a rebirth of Nigeria: a new nation that will allow its youths to grow and prosper, a new nation that seeks equal rights and justice for all, a new nation that is not run on tribal and religious sentiments.
“Indeed, the united youths of Nigeria have already displayed in all their actions, that a new nation that unites and cares for its citizens is possible. I urge you all to be part of the change,” he added.
Ajisebutu is the founder and president of MansMark Records, an entertainment outfit in Los Angeles, California.
He organised several rallies to save the Nigerian human rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 9 from being killed by General Abacha in 1995
He later joined forces with some Nigerians in Oakland and San Francisco area to form Free Nigeria Movement. Their activities received the support of organisations such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International and Rainforest Action Network.
He was also the producer and presenter of Voice of Free Nigeria, a weekly radio show that urged Nigerians to take charge of their destiny.
The radio was used to protest the annulment of the June 12, 1993 won by the now late Moshood Abiola.
