NIDCOM rebuts Ohanaeze’s allegations against Dabiri-Erewa’s neglect of Igbo

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly rebutted allegations made by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, describing the claims as ‘spurious and fabricated.

According to the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, their management has been called to a spurious and fabricated allegation against the person of the able and amiable Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa (OON) as well as the Commission of neglecting Igbos in diaspora written by one Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who purportedly claimed to be the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, raising a false and an unpatriotic alarm on the activities of the Commission as well as its Chairman/ CEO alleging falsely and ignorantly that both the Chairman and the Commission were selective in championing the welfare of the Ndigbos in the Diaspora.

The Commission would have dismissed such a frivolous allegation (more so as it does not believe he represents the authentic Ohaneze ) and not waste its precious time responding, but there is a necessity to clarify issues and set the record straight for posterity.

NIDCOM is an establishment set up to engage and see to the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad, irrespective of sex, age, ethnicity, religion and political affiliations. The Commission, under the dynamic leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been living up to expectations since its establishment over six years ago.

Its activities, which are glaring for any discerning person with a positive mindset to see, are unprecedented and have positively brought issues relating to the diaspora to the front burner.

The Commission sees the allegations, which are not categorical and not specific in nature, as mere conjecture based on a calculated machinery aimed at distracting the NIDCOM boss.

Reacting to the same allegation, Chief Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, and a proud titled Igbo man, stated thus: “I have had the honour of working closely with Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa over the years.

Her unwavering dedication to public service commands deep respect. Within our diaspora community, she is affectionately known as Mama Diaspora, a name earned through her consistent care and advocacy for Nigerians abroad, regardless of tribe or state of origin.

“I have seen the reshared post and am concerned by the attention it has attracted and the potential for division it may inadvertently be causing. Speaking from direct experience, I can affirm that Mama Diaspora has always championed unity, inclusion, and the empowerment of all Nigerians in the diaspora. Her commitment transcends ethnic and regional lines, and she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Nigerian abroad is treated with dignity and respect.

“At NIDO Worldwide, our guiding ethos is to uphold, value, and respect one another. I therefore appeal to all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain focused on the principles that unite us, rather than those that divide. We are stronger together as One People, One Diaspora Family, with One Homeland: Nigeria. The above testimonial from an Ndigbo Chief and a Diasporan aptly summarised it all,” he said.

In all their operations, engagements and interactions with Nigerians in the diaspora, there is no such instance of segregation, selective treatment based on ethnic or religious background.

From time to time, the Commission comes to the rescue and aid of any Nigerian in distress, irrespective of ethnic background and religious affiliation.

It is on record that the Commission had specifically intervened in the cases of distressed Nigerian miners in the Central African Republic, Mali, Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, South Africa UK, Canada, the USA, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Ukraine, Sudan and several other countries.

Crime has no federal character, and any Nigerian who commits a crime would serve the penalty, while the numerous Nigerians worldwide excelling in their fields of endeavour would always be celebrated.

“In the words of Mark Twain, ‘a lie can make its way around the world before the truth can even put on its shoes.”

She further added, “Let anyone make no mistake that the nuisance of ethnic bigotry is not a dangerous albatross, and one we have been burdened with since our independence as a nation. To politicise this flammable issue today demeans our humanity as a nation. It is past time to elevate our discourse, reject balkanization, and set an example that leaves our children a unified Nigeria. We cannot remain trapped in archaic ethnic rivalries and divisions. We are not crabs in a barrel—we are proud Nigerians, at home and abroad, with a duty to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a united and prosperous Nigeria”.