We promised Nigerians and the Diaspora not to engage Abike Dabiri-Erewa in her business of bad-mouthing nor go into the gutters, but to diligently expose her lies to the Diaspora, to Nigerians and to Mr. President.
In a recent Press statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun Head, Media and Public Relations Unit NIDCOM following a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the Americas, Para. 8 of the Press statement stated;
“On the issue of NIDCOM board, she was optimistic that President Muhammadu Buhari will constitute appropriately, but denounced the fallacy in some circles that the two representatives of the Diaspora in six continents will come from ONLY ONE diaspora organisation”
During the session of the town hall meeting, she however referred to NIDO as an umbrella body of all Diaspora organisations; while this is correct by virtue of the provision of the spirit of NIDCOM Act, therefore could not be a false belief at the same time as presented in the press statement.
Therefore, can Abike Dabiri-Erewa contrast her press statement in Para. 8 of the Press releases with the relevant provisions in page A 186 2017 No. 15 (see attached).
The inclusion of two representatives of NIDO from the relevant continents as enshrined in the ACT, does not in any way exclude the inclusion of other Diaspora organizations and well-meaning Nigerians in Diaspora. After all the Commission was made for Nigerians in Diaspora and not for Nigerians in Nigeria and selected friends of Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The
instrument is quite explicit on the workings of NIDO and other Nigerian
organisations in the Diaspora, hence, Abike Dabiri-Erewa should desist from
causing divisions within Diaspora organisation in other to favour her
indiscretion.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s act is invariably dangerous as she propagates misleading
information whilst using the position of her office to stroke the amber of
discord among Diaspora Organizations for her selfish interest at a time when
Nigerians in Diaspora are increasingly uniting to fight a common enemy
(Covid-19) that is devastating our people and our Nation.
We however have confidence in the judgment of Mr. President and other top advisers in Diaspora matters to take the right steps.
Kenneth Gbandi
Chairman NIDO Europe
