The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has denied allegations of Igbophobia and hate speech against Igbos, expressing concern over comments by an ‘unidentifiable group’ calling itself “Igbos in Diaspora” accusing the Commission of bias in handling hate speech incidents.
The group had accused NIDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa of delaying her response to comments by Mr. Kingsley Ugiagbe in Austria, compared to hate speech made by Amaka Patience Sonnberger in Canada.
Over the years, the NIDCOM boss has been accused of showing bias against Igbos in her responses to issues concerning them especially in Diaspora.
NIDCOM, in a statement by Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, in addressing the allegations, urged Nigerians abroad to refrain from ethnic profiling and promote unity.
“Ideally, we would have refrained from any response on such despicable rants, but we will just put a few facts in place,” the statement said.
NIDCOM noted that Ugiagbe’s remarks were swiftly condemned by the Edo Association in Austria, which denounced and disassociated itself from his comments.
“The Edo diaspora in Austria had immediately handled the issue with maturity, with Kingsley Ugiagbe tendering an apology and promising to be of good conduct going forward,” NIDCOM noted.
The situation in Canada, however, was different, with Nigerian groups raising alarms and filing petitions after Amaka’s hate speech, which she and her group showed no remorse for.
“Amaka and her group bragged about the hate speech and wasn’t apologetic,” the statement read, prompting NIDCOM and the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora to take official action.
NIDCOM also debunked a false report claiming involvement of the Canadian government, noting that Amaka remains on bail with restrictions.
“We urge restraint on comments made on her behalf so it would not affect her negatively,” the Commission added.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized her commitment to engaging with all Nigerians in the diaspora, urging them to maintain unity.
“Crime or bad behavior should not be ethnicised, and we encourage Nigerians abroad to continue to be good ambassadors of their country,” she advised.
NIDCOM highlighted its ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians abroad, mentioning interventions in countries like Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Ghana.
According to NIDCOM, it continues to work closely with the Senate and House Committees on Diaspora on issues affecting Nigerians in prisons, especially in Ethiopia and neighboring nations.
