Ohanaeze Calls On Tinubu To Sack Abike Dabiri-Erewa If She Fails To Apologize To Igbos
By Alex Odeh
The pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider sacking the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, if she fails to apologize over her persistent derogatory remaks against Ndigbo,particularly those residing abroad.
The highest Igbo body made the call through a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General and National Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo .
According to them, there had been avalenche of petitions and complaints againat Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa,alleging consistent neglect of her responsibilities to safeguard the interests of Diaspora Igbos, whom she is constitutionally bound to protect.
The statement reads: “The Apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds itself compelled by an unwavering sense of duty to vehemently condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the ongoing derogatory remarks and demeaning attitudes displayed by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), towards the Ndigbo,particularly those residing abroad.
“Mrs. Dabiri’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. Such misrepresentations constitute a collective affront to the dignity and psyche of every Igbo individual, both at home and abroad.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognizes that the grievous insults emanating from her 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.
” 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. Numerous petitions and complaints have surfaced, alleging that Mrs. Dabiri 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. Dabiri’s willingness to disseminate offensive content, including a post wherein Igbos were referred to as “monkeys.” 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”, they said.
