•Posthumous award given to late Rep Sheila Jackson Lee, Moore & Smith who risked lives traveling to Nigeria

International human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe has acknowledged the critical role played by several VIPs in historic advocacy wins on Nigeria in the United States.

Speaking at an appreciation dinner honoring President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Rubio and others for recent proactive engagements on insecurity and persecution in Nigeria, Ogebe revealed that General Overseer of RCCG, Prof Adeboye was the inspiration behind the founding of the Christian Association of Nigerian Americans USA which successfully advocated for the designation of Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the Obama administration.

He also unveiled behind the scenes drama that unfolded before various members of Congress were able to visit Nigeria on factfinding CODELS (Congressional Delegations.)

Below are his remarks at the US Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala:

“Good evening, all. And, it's a great honor to recognize Sheila Jackson Lee, and I'll just share briefly what she did. The first time I got a phone call from her, yes, she called - I didn't call her. She said, "I've got to go to Nigeria. Can you get me to Nigeria? What is happening is wrong." And as we were working on trying to get her a flight to Nigeria, Congressman Chris Smith approved an official delegation to Nigeria.

“And so we had three congresswomen who were traveling to a country known for terrorism at the risk of their lives, and just one congressman. That shows you that women are more courageous than men, right? Yeah.

“And my last phone conversation with Rep Sheila Jackson, she called again, personally. She said: "Emmanuel, where are my people? We need to have a press conference on Nigeria."

“And so some of you who are here today, I called you all. The very next day, she had what would be her last press conference before she went to glory, and that just shows you her passion and commitment to Nigeria. And so let's give a round of applause to the family and all those who sacrificed – for Nigeria.

“I want to also acknowledge that Ambassador Brownback was the one who officially stamped the CPC designation of Nigeria by the first Trump administration. We didn't acknowledge that before, but he did that historically.

“Our daddy here who just left – Daddy G.O., was the one who inspired the formation of CANAN (CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AMERICANS).

“CANAN was the largest mobilization of Nigerian Christians in America in history, and we fought together to get Boko Haram designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), and Laolu (Akande) was the director at that time. Let's appreciate him for that.

“And then we also have Rep Chris Smith, who is not here tonight. I understand his wife was hospitalized, and that's why he couldn't be here. But Chris Smith traveled to Nigeria, and he told the embassy that he wanted to go to Jos. And they said, "Sorry, you can't go there, Sir." “That no congressman has been to Jos.

“You know what Chris Smith replied? He said, "Then we're making history because I'm going to Jos."

“Finally, Riley Moore, who we're recognizing tonight, he traveled all the way to Benue State, and he went to an IDP camp. Why is this significant? Because the president of Nigeria went to Benue State and refused to go to the IDP camps because it wasn't safe.

“Riley Moore went in December to an IDP camp. That's why we're honoring all of these people today. And so I thank you, and I accept this, award on her behalf, and I will send it to the family. I appreciate you all for being here tonight. It's a great sacrifice in the middle of the World Cup to come to an event like this.

“God bless you.”

Commenting about the event afterwards, Ogebe said: “It was awesome to have Nigeria’s Billy Graham, Pa Adeboye, address an eclectic group in the U.S. capital and share from his heart. Remembering late Eunice Olawale whose lynching will be eight years in a few weeks and revealing the murder of newborn twins of an RCCG pastor in the north was deeply moving.

“I was virtually advocating single-handedly in the U.S. until DGO mobilized CANAN into action across the U.S. to arise and act over a dozen years ago. Today there are now many Nigeria advocates.

“I’m glad that DGO did not call the terrorists his “brothers” in a clear dig at the nefarious mixed messaging from security officials. Rather he said they are “potential brothers” if they are converted and that he is not interested in their perishing.

“Another highlight of the evening for me was the presence of the Nigerian ambassador’s representative who challenged the coalition not to believe social media depictions of what is going on in Nigeria.

“That we had both opposing camps in one room was commendable and we’re all interested in peace, security, equity and justice in Nigeria. I However wish Ambassador Kayode Are was there in person like late Ambassador Adefuye who came to CANAN’s award Gala during his tenure.

“We can dialogue together instead of wasting $9 million on lobbyists who only insult and draw cartoons of genuine advocates. They even attacked the Save Nigeria Group and the US NIGERIA Civil Society Coalition behind these events as rented crowd when DCI themselves are the rented hirelings.”

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