The Initial Call for the Atlanta Conference - October 10, 2009

On behalf of the Agbor/Ebini campaign team, I bring you greetings of friendship and solidarity. To those of you who attended the failed MECA USA convention/election s of July 4, 2009, we extend our appreciation for your time, efforts and sacrifice. Despite the odds, you kept up the Manyu spirit of unity and love with civility and resilience. We hope you have since settled in your various communities and had time to reflect on the future of our great association.

The ability and freedom for us as Manyu people to express varying and sometimes opposing ideas is essential to our conception of democracy. However, if democracy is viewed as a process, therefore free expression is crucial to the openness of the process and to such characteristics as free and fair elections guided by the constitution of MECA USA.

The failed convention/election this summer has caused considerable harm to our unity and turned back the clock of progress. However, our union must remain intact and not divided. Our development efforts can never be derailed, denied or held hostage. It is not too late to right our wrongs, and yes we the people have the will and ability to make amends for the sake of MECA USA and Manyu prosperity.

After the failed MECA USA convention/election s, the council of chiefs (COC) voted in violation of MECA USA constitution to hand the Ako/Besong team victory and allow them manage MECA USA affairs for two years. The COC’s decision was unconstitutional and if allowed to stand, set a bad precedence for our fledgling democracy. The rule of law must not be circumvented for expediency.

Today, the major chapters of MECA USA, comprising 90% of members; MECA DC, MECA Atlanta, MECA DFW, and MECA North Carolina have all voted unanimously to reject the COC’s decision and not recognize the Ako/Besong executive. These chapters have not voted to secede from the union but to remain autonomous until an elected body is voted by the people of MECA USA. The people must decide the fate of MECA USA.

Our team adheres to the principle that the will of the people is the paramount consideration. Our goal therefore is to find a solution that reflects the will of the majority. On this note, I wish to officially invite all Manyu elements in the United States to the MECA USA Truth and Reconciliation Conference which we promised during the campaign. The conference will take place in Atlanta, Georgia on October 10, 2009.

The objective of this conference is to provide an opportunity for the General Assembly (THE PEOPLE) of MECA-USA to discuss and explore solutions to the issues that led us to a failed convention/election . We will find ways to begin the process of reconciliation aimed at bringing closure to our discord and conflicts. This conference will provide an access for gathering the contribution of all Manyu sons and daughters to the reconciliation process. It will ensure the process is inclusive and thereby lead to a final report/resolutions which will be representative of the views of a broad spectrum of members.

As the days get closer, we will furnish you information on venue, hotels and a detailed program. In the meantime, please book your tickets and mark this important day on your calendar – October 10, 2009

Thank you for your time. God bless MECA USA and our beloved Manyu division.

Major Fidelis Agbor
On behalf of the Agbor/Ebini Team