Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) has threatened to stage peaceful picketing at MTN Nigeria offices nationwide over what it described as the company’s failure to publicly condemn recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The coalition made its position known in a statement jointly signed by its Vice President, Olatunji Adejuwon, and National Secretary, Olaoye Abolaji.
The group said MTN Nigeria’s alleged silence on the attacks was unacceptable, considering the company’s South African origins and the patronage it enjoys from Nigerians.
It warned that it would proceed with a nationwide peaceful protest if the telecommunications company failed to respond to its demands.
“Consequently, the Oodua Youth Coalition hereby gives notice that we shall, without hesitation, commence a peaceful picketing of MTN Nigeria’s offices if the company continues to ignore our legitimate demands.
“Our action is intended to draw attention to the need for corporate responsibility and moral leadership in condemning acts of xenophobia against fellow Africans,” the statement said.
The coalition urged MTN Nigeria to convene a press conference, with representatives of the group in attendance, to unequivocally condemn the xenophobic attacks and reaffirm its commitment to the safety, dignity and unity of Africans.
It said the planned protest would be peaceful, orderly and conducted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the group, relevant security agencies had been notified of the proposed action, while the South African diplomatic mission in Nigeria had also been informed.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerians and promoting African solidarity.
“The Oodua Youth Coalition remains committed to defending the dignity of Nigerians and promoting African solidarity. We will not relent until our concerns receive the attention they deserve,” it added.
Responding to the controversy, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, condemned all forms of xenophobia and violence against Africans living in South Africa.
Toriola maintained that MTN Nigeria is a Nigerian company with substantial local ownership despite being part of the MTN Group.
“We unequivocally condemn any form of xenophobia, violence or attacks against any community in the world.
“We’re a Nigerian company, through and through. We’re listed on the stock exchange with over 201,000 retail investors, and 11 million people hold shares through their pension funds in MTN Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, MTN Nigeria provides the digital backbone of the country’s economy and is managed as a Nigerian entity.
He acknowledged that MTN was founded in South Africa but noted that the parent company’s ownership is globally diversified.
“Yes, MTN was founded in South Africa, and the parent company that is the majority shareholder is South African.
“But let’s also look at it objectively. The shareholding of MTN Holding South Africa is only 50 per cent African. The remaining 50 per cent is from across the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region,” Toriola said.
