NiDCOM DISOWNS DIASPORA SHADOW MINISTERS.

Oru Leonard

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has disassociated itself from  a press release that appointed what was described as Diaspora Shadow Minister’s.

A press release which is signed by the  Secretary of NiDCOM, Engr Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi, stated that the Nigerian democratic space and practice does not recognize shadow cabinet in the Nigerian Constitution. See full text

PRESS RELEASE

Re: DIASPORA SHADOW MINISTERS.

November 1, 2021

1.0 The attention of the Management of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abuja, Nigeria has be drawn to the so-called appointment of “Diaspora Shadow Ministers” by a certain Mr Kenneth Gbandi who we think is the former Chairman, NIDO Europe.

2.0 The appointment of the so-called “Diaspora Shadow Ministers” under the guise of asking the diasporas to be part of the so – called “African Democratic Process” which incidentally has the same acronym with a Political Party in Nigeria for which Mr Kenneth Gbandi is a member :

(i) The Nigerian democratic space and practice does not recognize shadow cabinet in the Nigerian Constitution.
(ii) Who is the “Diaspora Shadow Ministers” anchoring on ?
(iii) We in Nigeria only recognize the cabinet of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR of the All Progressive Congress Party (APC) government who was duly elected at the last Presidential Elections in 2019.

3.0 NiDCOM therefore warns members of the Nigerians in Diaspora community to beware of being used by anyone seeking every desperate moves to be relevant politically in the Diaspora community and in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the rights of all and sundry to free association, it must be noted that this so – called DSM as being deployed by Mr Kenneth Gbandi to further his objectives that for now we do not seem to know. The question on the lips of observers is as to whether he is forming a parallel government abroad, while hiding under the shadow of diaspora and political formation.

4.0 Already three (3) of the appointees, had declined the appointment and membership of this group.

5.0 It is therefore imperative to also urge all Nigerians in the Diaspora to shun what is NOT right and be good ambassadors of Nigeria wherever they find themselves.

6.0 Thank you and God bless you.

Engr Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi,
Secretary,
For : Chairman/CEO.