7 weeks after the abduction of the Chibok Girls, Nigerian Movie Stars in a show of solidarity with the parents of the abducted Chibok Girls staged a peaceful march through Lagos streets to press for the quick release of these Girls as part of their activities to mark Democracy Day.
Ngozi Iwere, Coordinator of ReclaimNaija said “the march was planned to take place on Democracy day to remind ourselves as a country that Democracy is about fostering the well-being of all citizens, and the continued captivity of our Chibok girls is a slur on our collective efforts to build a strong democratic culture”.
Patience Ozokwor, Coordinator of the Street Walk said, “It will be a betrayal of trust for society to allow the girls to remain with their captors. Children look up to us adults to protect them from harm. We must not let the innocent girls down. We must not relent in our efforts. We must keep pushing till they come home”.
Emphasizing the need for everyone internationally and locally to come on board and lend their voices to the campaign, she stated that all people of goodwill must shun attempts to use this heart-rending issue for a futile blame-game that leaves our Chibok girls even more vulnerable. “All public officers and governments irrespective of political affiliation, and all people of goodwill must work together to get our Chibok Girls released and brought back home, alive and well.” Continuing she added that “We just want our children back. Which mother or Parent can come to terms with their daughter being captured and left at the mercy of terrorists”.
The march was organized in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations, ReclaimNaija, grassroots groups and community associations.
By Remi Serrano
