The
allegation that a group of protesters demanding the return of the abducted
Chibok schoolgirls are being sponsored may have been confirmed yesterday as
some of its members after gathering in Abuja yesterday, engaged in a
free-for-all over money they were promised for participating in the protest.
The
group, all youths, clad in white T-shirts as against the red T-shirts of the
#BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) protesters also gathered at the Unity Fountain in
Abuja to mark the 100 days of the abduction of the girls. The group, however,
gathered before the 3p.m. schedule of the planned sit-out by the BBOG, with
T-shirts and banners with the inscriptions “Boko Haram, Return Our Girls Now.”
At
the end of the meeting, it was observed that some of them were fighting and
struggling among themselves, complaining that someone had absconded with the
money meant for them to share.
It
was also gathered that the group enjoyed a live coverage from the Nigerian
Television Authority (NTA) as the crew were observed packing their equipment
and Mikano generator used for the live transmission.
The
NTA crew however did not cover the BBOG group even though it already started
proceedings to mark the 100 days.
It
was also gathered that the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT), Ms. Jumoke Akinjide, addressed the group in white shirts. This indicated
government’s backing, to draw attention away from the Dr. Oby Ezekwesili’s
group.
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Society