June 12: Stakeholders Canvass For More Participation Of Diasporans In Democratic Process
A cross-section of stakeholders across the globe
have canvassed for more inclusion and participation of Nigerians in the
Diaspora in the democratic process in Nigeria.
by Nigeria-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) and Nigerian Think-
Thank Group in conjunction with Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission
(NIDCOM).
Speaking on the theme of the webinar, a former British High Commissioner
to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright commended President Muhammadu Buhari for
being on the path of democratic progress with a lot of improvement in
the years to come.
Arkwright, who was one of the panelists, however listed four areas of
improvement to include increase in representation of women and youth in
democratic process in Nigeria., reduction in take home pay of National
Assembly and Political office holders, reduction in the influence of
money in Politics and adequate representation of all ethnic groups,
especially the minority groups in the electoral and democratic process.
Commending the role of NIDCOM so far, the envoy emphasised the role of
the Nigerians in the Diaspora and their contributions to national
development, stresing that they must be involved in the democratic
process.
Speaking in the same vein, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of
Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) said the Commission will
continue to engage the diaspora, particularly women and youth,
stressing that the recently approved diaspora policy provides a holistic
map for constructive diaspora engagement.
She echoed the need for diaspora voting, adding that the issue was
exhaustively tabled at the recent Public hearing on Constitutional
amendment.
The NIDCOM boss also advised Nigerians living abroad to speak well about
the country, and join hands with the government to contribute their
quota to national development.
In her contribution, Dr Veronica Ufogbure, Chair of NAPAC stressed the
need to lift Nigeria up, and participate actively in the electoral
process as being done in the US and other European countries.
She, however, listed eight areas of interventions which include
security, conversation, misinformation, trade, wired fraud and
corruption, election process participation, I.T expertise and creation
of a Global Nigerian Diaspora Think-Thank group among others.
In his presentation, one of the children of Chief MKO Abiola and winner
of June 12 , 1993 Presidential Election, Abdulmumin Abiola, reiterated
the fact that Nigeria is a great country and everyone must participate
in the democratic process.
Abiola, who clad in his father’s June 12 insignia dress, thanked
President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as democracy Day
after 25 years of the annulled election, urging Nigerians not only to
participate in the democratic process but to hold the leaders
accountable.
Mr Bayo Adedosu, a resident in Canada, stressed the need for Nigerians
to show patriotism, while calling on leaders to be accountable.
Mr Tony Isama commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s massive strides in
infrastructural development while calling for collaboration among the
numerous diaspora groups
Other speakers
Mr Audu Maikori, Dr Nelson Aloya, Mr Bolaji Lewis and Mr Stephen
Akinfodu commended the Buhari administration‘s recognition of June 12
as democracy Day and urged Nigerians in Diaspora to leverage their
influence, time and resources to contribute to the growth and
development of the country.
