From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has again appealed 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 is being handled.
According to a statement by Head of MEDIA and Public Relations Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa assured that the Commission has intimated the Speaker of the house, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, 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, adding that the role and contributions of the Nigerians in diaspora home and abroad is most appreciated and can never be ignored.
Wase, had a viral video of the plenary session of the House, wherein the Deputy Speaker of the house, while presiding, turned down a presentation of a petition by Gbillah, PDP, representing Gwer East-Gwer West constituency of Benue State filed by Mzough U Tiv America on insecurity in Benue.
But Dabiri-Erewa in a letter to Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila on Monday, and copied to the House Committee Chairman on Diaspora, said the commission received complaints from Nigerians abroad 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,” the letter read in part.