Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on Wednesday pledged to work closely with recognised Diaspora groups for unity and national development.
The commission also said it would work with several existing socio-cultural and professional diaspora groups.
NIDCOM Head, Media and Protocol Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in a statement in Abuja, said the commission’s attention was drawn to a “confusing and illogical statement” being circulated by the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe Mr. Keneth Gbandi on the relationship between NIDCOM and NIDO.
He said NIDO-Europe’ s statement could be described as selfish and self-seeking.
Balogun alleged that it was all in the attempt of a few, who wanted to lord over the majority.
He recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, came up with the idea of NIDO being an umbrella body of all diaspora organisations, but unfortunately for 20 years, the vision had not materialised.
He said that NIDO had not succeeded in bringing registered and recognised diaspora groups under one roof.
“Rather, it has been controlled in some countries by a few, who are determined to turn it to a personal belonging,” he said.
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Balogun added that in the Act establishing NIDCOM, the commission was to coordinate the activities of all diaspora groups and organisations .
“So, it is imperative to stress that NIDCOM will not only relate with NIDO but also all recognised diaspora organisations.
“This, the commission has been able to do effectively by coordinating and harnessing the potentials of the diaspora groups and individuals for national development,” he said.
Balogun also added that NIDCOM had been able to engage as many diaspora groups as possible in all parts of the world through its various activities and interventions.
“But the leadership of NIDO-Europe wants to go it all alone. According to Gbandi, who has been in NIDO leadership in the last 20 years, it is either his way or no way.
“We stress again that Gbandi’s argument that whenever NIDCOM board is constituted by Mr. President, it should be made up of only members of NIDO will remain a dream by Gbandi.
“For the purpose of clarity and emphasis, NIDCOM is for all Nigerians in diaspora, irrespective of groups and affiliations, and not for one organisation or group in the diaspora,” he said.
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