The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has faulted what it described as a most irrelevant and absolutely unintelligent criticism by the PDP, advising the party not to criticize for criticism sake.
In a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media and Public Relations, NIDCOM, explained that organising townhall meetings to brief Nigerian citizens abroad on the activities of the government back home is part of its mandate, which the commission is duly fulfilling.
Under President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s Administration, Nigeria not only has a diaspora commission but also now has a holistic diaspora policy, the first of its kind in Africa ., targeted at harnessing the enormous potentials of the millions of Nigerians excelling in all spheres abroad
So, the politicisation of every activity of President Muhammadu Buhari by the PDP is in bad taste.
They first attempted to ridicule President Muhammadu Buhari by saying the event in France had been cancelled.
Realising their folly, the opposition went as far as saying that President Muhammadu Buhari met with only Government officials and not members of the Nigerian Community.
Now, PDP is singing another tune, trying to down play the highly successful trip of President Muhammadu Buhari to France.
NIDCOM sees the unwarranted statement by the PDP on Buhari’s visit to France as ridiculous, ignorant, pedestrian,and laughable.
Town hall meetings are being held in the six geo-political zones regularly in the country by various arms of government at all levels to brief the citizens on the activities of the government.
Moreover, President Muhammadu Buhari also meets with various groups and associations back home.
In as much as we are not holding brief for the Presidency and agencies responsible for briefing Nigerians in the country, it is pertinent to say that those in opposition, particularly the major opposition party, the PDP, should criticise constructively based on facts and not to play to the gallery on every matter.
We were expecting PDP, through its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, who issued the statement ,to actually commend this administration because since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration in 2015, and his regular interface with Nigerians in the Diaspora, their remittances had not only increased significantly, their contributions to the economy as well as other benefits accruing to the country from its Diaspora have been duly acknowledged and encouraged.
PDP ought to have listed their own achievements and contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria as compared to the enormous achievements of this administration, particularly infrastructural development under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration within the context of serious revenue shortfall accruing to the country.
Signed .
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Head of Media and Public Relations
NIDCOM, Abuja.
I will have to agree with Mohammed. I have personally sent several emails and placed several calls. All this for a good course in Nigeria. Helping the needy!! does this office check their emails or they just read emails and don’t bother to reply them? You are suppose to rep all of us Nigerians in diaspora not congratulate/take pictures with UFC/MMA fighters. Please check your emails and acknowledge them at the very least.
The response of Abdur-Rahman Balogun to the critique and/or opposition of PDP to NiDCOM is not educative or enlightening as it should be. Political response at the executive branch of government to political critique and/or opposition tend to complicate and weaken public policies. There is no one correct way of trying to harness the human capital of Nigerians in diaspora. Therefore, all critiques would have to be received in good-faith to learn and improve. This is not implying that every critique is helpful. Indeed, some of them may be outright destructive. It is wise to ignore such critiques if they cannot be debunked to avoid amplifying them as an opposing issue.
But you failed to respond to emails sent to Nidcom, only to come out in the public to denounce what aspects benefits your commission. Nigerians are facing problems around the world and needs help. The number on your website is not even available so how could you be an effective organisation when the facts outlined says otherwise.
This is just from a concerned citizen.
Thank you