Buhari urged to create diaspora commission to harness the potential of Nigerians abroad

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to establish a diaspora commission to take care of the interest of Nigerians living in different parts of the world and also enable them to contribute towards international development.

 

Eager to get the president to tap into the potential of the millions of Nigerians who live abroad, the Buhari Friends Organisations Network (BFON) has begun drawing up plans that will give the diaspora role in the government. Charles Sylvester Emukowhate, the BFON coordinator, said the commission was needed to harness and coordinate the potential of all Nigerians living in different parts of the globe for national development.

 

He added that the BFON was also pushing for an amendment in the electoral law that would allow Nigerians living abroad to vote in elections wherever they were living. Mr Emukowhate, who is the chairman of the Nigerian Entrepreneurs Association UK, said that Nigerians living abroad supported President Buhari because they believed that he would fight corruption, restore peace and security and bring expected change.

Mr Emukowhate said: “We in the diaspora will want the president to establish a diaspora commission, which when put in place will harness the human and material resources of Nigerians living in different parts of the world and galvanise them for national development. Over the last one year, Nigerians in the diaspora have repatriated well over $10bn and so their wishes and welfare cannot be neglected.

 

"Nigerians in the diaspora have been yearning and clamouring for the right to vote in Nigeria's elections and we are calling on the government to ensure that this happens. The expectations of people in the diaspora is that we need good governance and accountability, which we are sure we will get under Buhari as a result of his pedigree."

 

He added that the BFON is sure President Buhari will fight corruption, ensure the security of lives and property and restore discipline in governance. According to Mr Emukowhate, this will attract foreign investment in the country.

 

Mr Emukowhate pointed out: “On the economy, the major issue is that of infrastructure and the provision of steady and uninterrupted electricity supply. When power is provided, it will drive and boost the manufacturing sector and increase employment of labour.

 

"There is also a need to diversify the economy from oil to other sectors like agriculture in order to reduce our over dependence on oil. This will create employment and curb restiveness, not only among the youths but generally among the populace.”