The attention of the Senior Special Assistant to
the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been
drawn to an old CBC video circulating on social media creating an impression
that Nigerians in Canada go through hell in securing a new Nigerian Passport.
This is not true.
The video in circulation was broadcast on CBC in 2013 and the High
Commissioner to Canada at the time, the late Amb. Ojo Maduekwe diligently dealt
with the issue then to strengthen the structure of the Passport Section of the
Nigeria High Commission, in Ottawa, making it possible to obtain passports in
less than a day in Ottawa.
The lady who was at the helm of affairs in Immigration section at the
time was asked to leave Ottawa. Not only that, the late Ojo Maduekwe granted
interviews to put into perspective what happened and promised Nigerians then
that it would never happen again. And it never did. It must be pointed out here
that up till today, applicants can obtain their passports in two hours at the
Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.
This is verifiable from Nigerians in Canada. It is really uncharitable
and worrisome that the video in question was posted on a day late Ambassador
Maduekwe was being buried and honoured as a worthy leader and statesman. I
appeal to all Nigerians to disregard the video.
While noting and admitting that some of our embassies must step up their
attitude in dealing with issues relating to Nigerians in their host countries,
President Buhari’s administration is determined to ensure that the rights and
welfare of Nigerians whether at home or in the Diaspora remain a major priority
of this administration.
Signed
Abdurrahman Balogun
S.A. Media to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
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