RE: UMAR ABDULMUTALLAB - CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA (CFN) CONDEMN TERRORIST ATTEMPTS AND ACTIVITIES

Champions For Nigeria (CFN), an umbrella organisation of Nigerians in the Diaspora, incorporated in England and Wales, condemn all forms of terrorist activities. We express deep regret over the attempt by Nigerian-born Umar Farouq Abdulmutallab to blow up Flight 253 with explosive devices at the Detroit, Michigan, USA Airport on December 25, 2009.

Nigerians all over the world are unanimous in their condemnation of this cowardly act. Such action is not representative of the character of Nigerian citizens. We are a peace-loving people who make positive contributions in whatever community we reside. 

Champions For Nigeria would like to stress the point that this terrorist incident was an individual action, and does not represent the true character of more than 150 million Nigerians.

Nigeria is definitely not a breeding ground for terrorism of any description; be it domestic or international. We support the Nigerian government’s position, preparedness, and commitment to thwart any known or suspected acts of terrorism in our society by working with the governments of the United States of America, and other nations in snuffing out global terrorism.

Champions For Nigeria express our gratitude to God that the attempt to destroy innocent lives and property on Christmas; a day Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a peace-loving individual, was foiled. We urge the international community to regard this incident as an isolated act of a misguided and radicalised Nigerian citizen who has allowed religious overzealousness to becloud his mind, without regard to the negative impact his actions would have on further tarnishing the global image of Nigeria.

We would like to remind everyone that Nigerians generally are law-abiding citizens. We tolerate diverse political and religious views. We are productive, peaceful, and hard working.  These attributes have been demonstrated by Dr Mutallab who, on sensing the strange behaviour of his son, quickly reported him to American Embassy officials and the Nigerian law enforcement authorities.

Nigerians hereby promise to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity with the United States, and all responsible nations in the international community in the fight against global terrorism.
 
Long live Nigeria, Long Live CFN.

Signed:

Odimegwu Onwumere (Regional Coordinator, Nigeria)

Dr Ken Prince Asagwara (Regional Coordinator, Canada)

Benedicta Attoh (Eire)

Rufus Kayode Oteniya (Italy)

Joseph Ochia (Mexico)

Kola Afolabi (France)

Dr Ehi Agboaye (USA)

Dr Olayiwola Ajileye (Regional Coordinator, UK)

Bernard Imarhiagbe (Publicity Coordinator)

Akintokunbo A Adejumo (Global Coordinator)

For CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA