NiDCOM cautions MDAs, embassies, to be wary of phoney Diaspora Groups
Oru Leonard
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has cautioned all government Ministries , Agencies, Embassies and High Commissions as well as Diaspora groups to beware of phoney diaspora
groups with apparent sinister and political ulterior motives, parading
as authentic diaspora group.
A statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols
Unit of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Tuesday in Abuja specifically
mentioned a group, Nigeria Diaspora Forum, (NDF), who claimed it has
established an office in Abuja for the welfare of Nigerians in the
Diaspora.
Balogun said that the group is an arm of Labour Party, masquerading as a diaspora group and not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
“We are aware that all registered Political parties including the ruling
party, APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP and even LP, etc have diaspora chapters and
support groups outside the country and do work to promote and champion
their party ideals.
“It is equally sinister that an unregistered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission will fraudulently and boldly announce the setting up of an office to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in Diaspora in Abuja.
“This is no doubt an attempt to fraudulently hoodwink unsuspecting
members of the public , ministries, departments and agencies, embassies,
high commissions as well as state and local governments.” NiDCOM disclosed.
The statement advised all government agencies at both the federal and state
levels as well as the diplomatic community to always double check with
NiDCOM the status of such groups as NiDCOM has a data base of all
registered diaspora groups.
“NiDCOM is using this opportunity to also remind all that States have
diaspora focal persons who are readily available to handle issues
relating to their diaspora.
“NiDCOM is the only Commission mandated by an act of the Parliament to
oversee the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, in the last four
years.
It has been, and will continue to fulfill its mandate, while also
working with genuine Nigerian diaspora groups,associations and
individuals” the Commission concluded.
