By Opeyemi Adelakun
Nigerians on social media have reacted sharply to the threat by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to take up with Canadian authorities the denial of visas to some Nigerian governors and senior government officials scheduled to attend the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference which was held recently in Toronto.
Recall that Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke at the conference, expressed displeasure over the visa denials and said the matter would be raised through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
The conference, themed “Invest Nigeria; Thrive Abroad,” was organised to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and its diaspora community and attract investment into the country.
Among the Nigerian officials reportedly affected was Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, among others, who were unable to attend the event after being denied a Canadian visa.
However, the development brewed a wave of reactions from Nigerians online, with many questioning the decision to challenge Canada and urging the government to focus more on addressing challenges within the country.
One commenter, Ope Julius, bluntly told the government to “fix Nigeria and make it habitable for the citizens,” while Richard Chuks similarly argued that the problem was not Canada.
“We need to fix the country. Vow to change and fix the country. It’s not Canada’s fault,” Chuks wrote.
Others questioned Dabiri-Erewa’s capacity to confront the Canadian authorities.
Mc Udenenwu asked: “Take action as what exactly, foreign minister, minister of the interior, deputy vice president, ombudsman, plenipotentiary, what?”
Ogechi Barrah also questioned the NiDCOM chairperson’s powers, asking, “What power does she have? What is her job?”
Some netizens, however, suggested that Nigeria should respond in kind. Afam Okey Ibeneme said Nigerian authorities should deny Canadian officials entry if they sought to attend meetings in Nigeria.
“Pay them back in the same coin when they want to come for a meeting in Nigeria,” Ibeneme wrote.
The controversy also drew criticism over the treatment of Nigerians in other countries, with Eniola Adekunle asking Dabiri-Erewa to speak out over Nigerians facing difficulties in Libya, South Africa and other African countries.
“Why can’t you fight what is going on in Libya, South Africa and the illegal imprisonment of Nigerians in other African countries?” Adekunle asked.
Another commenter, Akin Dee-One, linked the visa denials to recent controversies involving Nigerian governors, writing: “With the show of shame of the governors recently, they should be denied.”
Fredric Ajayi, meanwhile, defended Canada’s position, stating simply: “Governors are not above the laws here.”
Ike Moore was more dismissive of the NiDCOM chairperson, describing her as “Toothless Abike,” while Olamilekan Odedere said he would deny Dabiri-Erewa entry into Canada “till Jesus comes” if he were in charge of the country.
Despite the visa controversy, the conference proceeded with presentations from Nigerian officials who secured entry into Canada.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, highlighted reforms and investment opportunities in the state, while Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, showcased opportunities in solid minerals and agricultural value chains.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the President at the event, also assured participants that the Federal Government was working to remove bureaucratic obstacles affecting diaspora investment.
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