New York, February 16, 2005—Following a recent dangerous encounter with the surrogates of Anambra State governor, Dr. Chris Ngige in New York, Africans In America, Inc. human rights advocacy and anti-trafficking-in-persons organization based in New York wish to issue the following statements:

On January 10, 2005 an individual who introduced himself as the Chairman, Peoples Club of Nigeria, New York Chapter invited our representative to a resolution meeting in his office. The Chairman stated that he was calling the meeting to resolve the bills Anambra state governor Chris Ngige caused us to incur stating that he has information to believe that the life of our representative is in danger over the lingering issues.

The ‘Chairman’ set up the platform for the meeting, and stated that no one would attend, except himself, a female associate of the governor and a specific official of our organization (Africans In America, Inc.). According to the ‘Chairman’, he wanted to settle the matter behind closed door in accordance with Igbo tradition.

Unknown that was a trap, our representative attended the meeting unaccompanied by anyone. In the middle of the meeting, the female associate of governor Ngige left the room and came back with an adult male and instructed the strange male to take a good look at our representative.

The female associate of the governor expressed her and the governor’s displeasure at the disclosure of the death of the governor’s female aide in New York and the circumstances surrounding it, which they had wanted to keep secret.

The lady stated that she and the governor are particularly displeased with the Community Awareness Services (press releases) of our organization.

The reason the ‘Chairman’ of People Club, New York Chapter decided to drag the club into this mud is not yet clear.

However, preliminary investigation reveal that People Club of Nigeria is does not have a branch in the State of New York.

We are concerned and apprehensive about this very dangerous development.