Deputy speaker’s gaffe: Dabiri-Erewa calls for calm

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has appealed once again to all stakeholders, especially Nigerians living abroad to remain calm as the controversial issue of the presentation of a petition by Hon Mark Gbillah  from Benue State on behalf of  Mzough U Tiv Amerika (MUTA) which was rejected by the Deputy Speaker, Idris Ahmed,  who presided over the day’s plenary session.

The NiDCOM boss In a statement issued in Abuja said the Commission has informed the Speaker of the house, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila , as well as the Chairman , House Committee on Diaspora, Honourable Tolu Akande Shadipe ,of the numerous petitions and concerns of Nigerians abroad on the issue.

She expressed optimism that the Leadership of the House of Representatives would resolve the issue amicably while stating that the role and contributions of the Nigerians in diaspora home and abroad is most appreciated and can never be ignored.

It will be recalled that there was a  viral video of the plenary session of the House, wherein the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Idris Wase presiding, turned down a presentation of a petition by Mark Gbillah, PDP, representing Gwer East-Gwer West constituency of Benue State filed by MUTAon insecurity in Benue.

But Dabiri-Erewa in a letter to the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, and copied to the House Committee Chairman  on Diaspora, said the commission received complaints from Nigerians in the Diaspora expressing their anger over the stand of the Deputy Speaker when the matter was presented at the House.

“The video has inflamed tension and caused a significant uproar amongst the Nigerian in Diaspora community. In view of this, we appeal to Mr speaker to intervene and use your good office to do all that can be done to mitigate the effect of this unfortunate incidence,” NIDCOM’s Head of MEDIA and Public Relations Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun quoted Dabiri-Erewa as saying.


ReplyForward

9News Nigeria TV

About Taofeek Olayemi Lawal 205 Articles
Taofeek Olayemi Lawal is a senior correspondent with 9News Nigeria. Reporter for Women Advancement For Economic & Leadership Empowerment Foundation in Africa (WAELE). He has over 10 years experience in journalism and served as Senior Correspondent for LEADERSHIP Newspaper Abuja as well as Champion Newspaper Limited, Lagos. Contact Taofeek Olayemi Lawal by email or phone call. Phone: +234 805 307 4114, 081 0464 0001 Email: sportsesho@yahoo.com