Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has asked President Bola Tinubu to summon the courage and sack Mrs Abike Dabiri- Erewa, the Chairperson of the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, if… she failed to apologize over her derogatory remarks on Ndigbo.
Ohanaeze said it compelled by an unwavering sense of duty to vehemently condemn the derogatory remarks in the strongest terms, and the demeaning attitudes displayed by Mrs Erewa, particularly those residing abroad.
The lgbo pan organisation stated that Mrs. Erewa’s actions have perpetuated a narrative of bigotry, as evidenced by her unabashed promotion of defamatory posts on her social media platforms—most notably her X page (formerly Twitter)—which have insidiously portrayed the Igbo nation as a caricature before both national and global audiences.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigb, Such misrepresentations constitute a collective affront to the dignity and psyche of every Igbo individual, both at home and abroad.
In a statement issued yesterday by it factional Deputy- President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Thompson Ohia, National Spokesperson, Ohanaeze noted that the grievous insults emanating from Mrs Erewa’s statements are not isolated incidents but rather reflective of a troubling pattern of ethnic profiling and biased treatment specifically aimed at the Igbo people in the diaspora.
It further said that over recent years, the leadership of the Igbo community has diligently documented her selective and disparaging comments, particularly in instances where vital intervention by her office was required.
Part of the statement read “Numerous petitions and complaints have surfaced, alleging that Mrs.Erewa has consistently neglected her responsibilities to safeguard the interests of Diaspora Igbos, whom she is constitutionally bound to protect.
“Reports indicate that numerous Igbos facing hardships in various continents—whether in Asia, Europe, or America—have been left to navigate their tribulations without the support expected from her office.
“Additionally, her failure to assist many innocent Nigerians, who might otherwise be extricated from precarious situations, stands as a stark indictment of her tenure.Of particular concern is Mrs. Erewa’s willingness to disseminate offensive content, including a post wherein Igbos were referred to as “monkeys.”
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“This egregious act, which she has failed to retract despite public outcry, demonstrates a shocking level of insensitivity and a disregard for the dignity of the people she is meant to represent.In light of these circumstances, Ohanaeze Ndigbo respectfully but firmly urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action.
“We implore the Presidency to call Mrs. Dabiri to account for her continued sectionalism and bigotry towards the Igbo nation, whom her office is constitutionally mandated to protect.
“It is our fervent expectation that if Mrs. Abike Dabiri fails to issue an immediate and unreserved apology to the Igbo nation, President Tinubu should consider her removal from office.
“Such action will send a resounding message that there is a zero-tolerance policy for the abuse of public office, insubordination, and the perpetuation of ethnic discrimination.
“The time for decisive leadership is now. It is imperative that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions, ensuring that respect and dignity are afforded to all citizens, particularly those from traditionally marginalized groups.