We were paid to lie, pro-Buhari protesters confess

Some pro-Buhari protesters in New York have confessed to being paid to attend a rally in favour of the Nigerian government, more so, the majority of them are not Nigerians, but rather US citizens.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari travelled to New York on Tuesday, and is expected to address the high-level session of the General Assembly on Friday, September 24, when he would speak on the theme of the conference and other global issues.

From pictures and videos shared online, the group members waved the Nigerian flag, wore white T-shirts, and displayed banners announcing their commitment to one Nigeria.

The group members carried placards on which was written, “Stronger together”, “Unity in diversity”, “Genocide in Eastern Nigeria plain propaganda”, “Nigerians want national unity, not secession”, “Nigerian Christians not targets of genocide or ethnic cleansing”.

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They were, however, opposed by some anti-Buhari protesters who had been organising protests for days calling for a referendum to determine the fate of the country.

The protesters who are calling for self-determination alleged that the members of the One Nigeria Group were “fake” Nigerians hired to carry the flags and take pictures.

In a trending video, one of the One Nigeria Group who was interrogated, and from his accent, it was obvious he’s not a Nigerian, but a foreigner paid to carry the placard.

When probed further by a passer-by who was from the Eastern part of Nigeria, one of the placard carrying protesters said he was not from Nigeria, but just loves to protest for all blacks wherever they are.

“If you’re not from Nigeria, how did you know that Nigerian Christians are not being targeted. You know when you got to protest, you got to protest with the information and the stuff that is happening.

The man who failed to disclose his name said he was paid to carry the placard.

“You see, I’m not from Nigeria, but a man has got to do what he has to do. For me though I was paid to do this, but it’s not just about the money. I love to help people, and this protest is just one of such things,” he said.

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One of the leaders of the anti-Buhari protest, Foluso Aruleba, said during Jonathan’s administration, Buhari invited Fulanis from West Africa who are now killing Nigerians, especially in the north.

The 76th session of the General Assembly began on September 14 and will end on September 27.