Activists participate in Get On The Bus action in NYC

On April 2, more than 500 activists turned up at the Nigerian consulate uninvited. Well, we had secured an appointment, but consulate officials cancelled at the last minute when they realized that more than one person would attend. Apparently, the Nigerian government fears the truth. The truth that human rights violations and environmental devastation continues in the Niger Delta despite Nigerian President Obasanjo's promises to protect people and the environment.

The crowd blasted the consulate with a huge sound system, audible from blocks away, chanting, "President Obsanjo, keep your promise!" Midway through the demonstration, Patrick Kwan, Northeast Just Earth! organizer and two high school students from Massachusetts diplomatically attempted to deliver 500 signed letters and a giant 3 by 5 foot letter. However, NYPD police and consulate officials stopped them at the door and refused the politely worded letters. During an earlier part of the demonstration, Nigerian human rights activist Sowore Omoyele stood outside of the consulate simply holding a poster imprinted with the words "Never Forget Ken Saro-Wiwa." Under threat of arrest by the NYPD, Sowore left. Also on hand lending support and a strong voice was Lisa Sock, Just Earth! Field Operations Coordinator.

Nigerian activist Sowore Omoyele, protesting at Nigerian consulate

The demonstration at the Nigerian consulate was part of a day of global human rights action affectionately known as "Get On the Bus." For the past six years, AIUSA Group 133 of Somerville, MA has organized this annual human rights marathon, coordinating as many as nine busloads of Northeast local and student activists to spend the day demonstrating for human rights at select consulates in Manhattan. The power-packed day also included spirited demonstrations at the Colombian and Chinese consulates, as well as a speakers panel featuring experts and activists from the targeted nations.

Get On the Bus 2001 was expertly coordinated by Val Costa (Boston University student) and Dara Bongarten (local activist). The motivation for the original Get On the Bus, in 1996, was fueled by the execution of Ken Saro -Wiwa. Since then, we've retured to the Nigerian consulate five times to remind them that we will not forget Ken Saro-Wiwa and his legacy. We departed the consulate chanting, "we'll be back next year!" And we will be! For more information about Get on the Bus, check out www.amnesty133.org.