Educate yourself on the contribution of Nigerians Abroad, Diaspora Group replies Nigeria Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase
A sociopolitical organization in the diaspora, Ekiti Diaspora Development Initiative (EDDI) has condemned and described as irresponsible, the statement credited to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Idris Wase. According to publications and videos, the Deputy Speaker says Nigerians in the Diaspora have no rights sending petitions to the House of Representatives on issues happening in Nigeria. “What do they know about Nigeria? What is their business? They can’t sit in their comfort zones and know what is happening in Nigeria,” Wase asked while presiding over a session of the House of Representatives.
Speaking with our correspondent over the phone last night, EDDI’s spokesperson, Mr. Ayodele Orebe describes the statement as unbecoming of a Federal Legislator and called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila to educate and tutor Mr. Wase on the contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora to the development of the country at large. Mr. Orebe said he has received at least over 50 calls and messages since the video went viral on social media, calling the statements by the Deputy Speaker shameful and underserving of the position of the number two sit of the House of Representatives.
The EDDI’s spokesperson recalled the 2018 Pew Research Center report, which shows that African immigrants sent a record $625 billion back to their home countries in 2017, a 7% increase from year 2016. Additionally, a 2019 report by PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC), described the enormous financial contribution of Nigerians abroad to the Nigerian economy. According to the report, the inflow of remittances by Nigerians in the Diaspora rose to estimated $25 billion in 2018, making it the highest in the sub-Saharan Africa. This record makes Nigeria one of the top five nations with such inflow of money globally. Mr. Orebe said, “for a sitting Deputy Speaker of the Nigeria House of Representatives to not know or ignore such contribution is ignorance and unfortunate.”
At this crucial state of insecurity in Nigeria, all hands must be on deck to provide necessary support to the government to curtail insecurity even as he said the fear of kidnapping and insecurity is preventing thousands of Nigerians abroad from coming home. Partnering with Nigerians in the Diaspora will speedily assist the government in information and intelligence gathering. “Is the insecurity in Nigeria today the same whenever the Deputy Speaker visits any part of the Diaspora and how many times has the Deputy Speaker peacefully visit his village without the fear of kidnapping or banditry?”
One must also appreciate the Member representing Gwer East-Gwer West constituency of Benue State, Hon Mark Gbillah for standing his ground while presenting the petition even in the face of bullying. Nigerians are across the globe deserve to be represented and accounted for regardless of which country they live. This is what civilized and democratic countries do. Unfortunately, the posture demonstrated by the Deputy Speaker is that of democracy in “name only and not in deeds.”
"The EDDI was conceptualized to promote a just, fair, and politically-engaged society, where all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status in the areas of education, income, and occupation can be given a sense of belonging and treated as respectable integral part of governance. With behaviors of the likes of the Deputy Speaker, it will be a challenge to achieve a just and fair Nigeria. However, EDDI is prepared to fight to make it happen, Mr. Orebe concluded.
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