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‘FixTheCountry needs new faces’- Oliver Barker-Vormawor announces he’s stepping back from movement
#FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse Convenor, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, is stepping back from his role as leader of the movements after dedicating three years of his life to the cause.
In a X(Twitter) post on Friday, November 17, 2023, Barker-Vormawor announced his decision to step back, while detailing some of the personal sacrifices and challenges he has faced since becoming the leader of the movements.
“For the past three years, I have given so much of my life and time to mobilize and support the efforts of FixTheCountry and now #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements. Within that period, I have had my passport seized; a travel ban placed on me; a treason trial; 5 arrests; jail time spent on three separate occasions,” he shared in his statement.
According to Barker-Vormawor, his personal goals, including a PhD programme at Cambridge suffered completion as it had to be put on hold due to his involvement in the movements.
“My PhD programme at Cambridge has been on hold. I was relieved of an adjunct teaching role. I don’t want to talk about cyber bullying; the surveillance of my home and communication devices. I have been separated from family; spent my life savings to support the movement financially and logistically,” he added.
Barker-Vormawor believes he has served his country well, and is now asking for others to rise up and take lead in pushing the #FixTheCountry movement.
“I believe that I have served my country all too well. Now I think it is time for others to step unto the plate and carry the people’s movement forward. FixTheCountry needs new faces; new people and new energy. This is the time we usher in a proper transition, for the movement to renew itself. My hope immediately is that FixTheCountry will be soon organized by a new group of people unconnected to us. This has to be the beginning of a transition phase. The dream is for a new politics. Where empathy leads and social justice is routine must endure. Shalom!,” he concluded.
For the past three years, I have given so much of my life and time to mobilize and support the efforts of FixTheCountry and now #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements
Within that period, I have had my passport seized; a travel ban placed on me; a treason trial; 5 arrests; jail time…
— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) November 17, 2023
