Nigerians in diaspora to discuss insecurity in home country at virtual conference

The security situation in Nigeria is worsening by the day as marauding bandits, camouflaging as herdsmen, roam across the country kidnapping for ransom, waylaying travellers, killing farmers and generally making the country unsafe.

Added to the security troubles of the country is the possibility of inter-ethnic clashes flaring in different parts of the country caused by worsening inter-communal relationship.

Members of the Hausa and Yoruba communities clashed last weekend in Ibadan, leading to scores of casualties and forcing some of the resident northerners in the southern city to relocate back home.

Worried about the precarious security situation and the danger of descent into anarchy, members of the diaspora wing of Nigerian political parties will meet to deliberate on possible solutions to the problem in their homeland.

Gathering under the aegis of the All-Nigerian Political Parties in Diaspora Group, the diaspora politicians will hold a virtual conference on 27 February 2021.

“The worsening Herdsmen attacks, reprisal attacks, kidnapping and the exodus of Nigerians from their current locations reminiscent of the ominous past are deeply worrying,” a statement, jointly signed by Hon Kenneth Gbandi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC-DN), Chief Victor Lamai and Henry Iroko of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Dr Alistair Soyode of YES Party, said.

 

“All members of Nigerian political parties in the Diaspora are like all patriotic Nigerians genuinely concerned about this development,” the statement continued.

“As concerned global citizens with our roots, relatives and friends in Nigeria we believe that it is time for all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to come together and proffer possible solutions to avert unnecessary bloodshed in Nigeria.”

Hon Gbandi, who is the Deputy National Chairman-Diaspora Engagement of the ADC, believes that remaining silent in the face of what is happening in Nigeria “would amount to national betrayal”. He’s therefore calling on Nigerians in the diaspora irrespective of their political affiliations to participate at the conference and contribute their views on possible solutions.

The ‘Conference of all Diaspora Political Parties on the Security Situation in Nigeria’ is expected to issue a communique after its deliberations, with concrete suggestions to Nigeria’s political leaders on the way forward. Among the experts who will speak at the conference are Clement Mosindi, author of Global War On Terror: The Nigerian Dimension, Col Hassan Stan-Labo (rtd), a former brigade chief of staff of the Nigerian Army and Tony I. Uranta, an independent civic & social organization professional.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has asked the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a speedy and thorough investigation into the recent violence in Ibadan, Oyo State,  and the prosecution of those who instigated and participated in the killings and destruction of property.

Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, commenting on the incident and the rising spate of inter-ethnic violence in the country at Tuesday’s plenary, said the House would not sit back while Nigerians were killed by their fellow countrymen.

Gbajabiamila also said the House welcomed the committee constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari and headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, charged with holding peace and unity consultations across the country.

Sola Jolaoso

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‘Conference of all Diaspora Political Parties on the Security Situation in Nigeria’
Date: 27 February 2021, 6.00 PM Abuja Time
Zoom: Registration/Participation:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pcOyupzgvHda1gyShEmLhxY9AraEvucWy

For further inquiries:
Hon. Kenneth Gbandi,
Deputy National Chairman-Diaspora Engagement,
African Democratic Congress
Email: info@adc-dn.org