Looming crisis:Nigerians in Benin Republic Cry out for FG’s Intervention

(Report by Jeff Ezemadu):

Nigerians resident in Cotonou, Republique du Benin stormed Lagos over the weekend to seek intervention of the Federal Government on what they described as looming crisis that may erupt any moment if nothing is done to bring the situation under control.

The people are calling on Chairperson in charge of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chief Mrs Abike Dabiri- Erewa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and her Assistant to avert the looming crisis that might erupt any moment from now if proper action is not taken.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, the team led by the outgoing President of Nigerians In Diaspora (NIDO) Benin, Mr. Adebowale Ajani, who was accompanied by the provost of the association, Mr.Wilfred Imaseun and a representative of the newly elected Seriki of the Hausa community and the Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sanni Mohammed said, their only grievance is that due process must be followed as stipulated by the constitution.

According to Adebowale, “Our tenure has elapsed but we were advised not to handover yet because of the covid-19 outbreak and the leadership tussle between our brothers from the North, whose turn it is to produce the next President of NIDO.

“Our constitution stipulates a rotatory presidency. It has no provision for interim administration. Now that a competent Court has given judgement in favour of Alhaji Danbaba, as the new Seriki sacking Alhaji Muniru who has ruled for over 25 years for them to present to NIDO, who will represent them, from no where, a splinter Igbo group led by an Igbo Chief who is known for formenting trouble emerged.

“We ran to make a formal report to the Embassy. The officials asked us not to handover until our brothers present their candidate. We obeyed as law abiding citizens knowing fully well what the laws of our host country says. Suddenly the same officials from the Nigerian Embassy now threw their support behind the illegal splinter group and even attended their inauguration ceremony.

“Every effort to know from them the reason behind their action was rebuffed. Speaking on phone, the new Seriki said majority of the people are against the splinter group whole aim according to him has a plan to the North their chance to produce the President of NIDO.

L – R Wilfred Imasuen (Provost), Adebowale Olalekan Ajani (President) and Mohammed Sani Mohammed (Secretary to Seriki Hausawa, Benin)