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Xenophobia: Reps want FG to evacuate Nigerians in China, investigate Chinese in Nigeria
By Yemi Itodo
The Nigerian House of Representatives, has urged the Federal Government to urgently evacuate all Nigerians who have tested negative to COVID-19 and are with valid passports and Visas in China, willing to return to Nigeria. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
This was, even as, the Lawmakers unanimously resolved to investigate the validity of all immigration documents of every Chinese person and the expatriate quota of all their businesses in Nigeria, to ascertain the number of illegal and undocumented immigrants, with the view to repatriating them to China.
Spokesman of the Nigerian Parliament, Rep Benjamin Kalu and nine others successful moved this motion, at the resumed plenary of the Green Chamber on Tuesday, 28th April, 2020.
The resolution was said to be in line with the mandate of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to take actions to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians in China.
Recall that, as a result of the mutually beneficial diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and China, about 10,000 Nigerians, including investors, traders, workers and students currently reside in and around Guangzhou in the Guangdong Province of the Peoples Republic of China and have generated massive trade volume between the two countries, such that for 2019 alone the Nigeria-China trade value was worth over $8.6 billion.
But sometimes in April 8, 2020, photos and videos emanated across various social media depicting the institutionalized racial discrimination, maltreatment, xenophobic assaults, embarrassments, illegal detention and forceful eviction of Nigerians and other Africans living in Guangzhou.
Rep Kalu, while leading the debate on the motion, lamented that, “under the pretext of curbing the spread of COVID-19, which ironically originated in Wuhan, China, several kinds of maltreatments of Nigerian citizens in Guangzhou have been perpetrated by Chinese people and authorities.
“These include, wrongful confiscation of Nigerian international passports, prolonged and illegal detaining of Nigerians in the name of mandatory quarantining despite holding a certificate of clean health and no recent travel history, outright refusal to test or release the test results, and the eviction of Nigerians from their homes, hotel accommodations, refusal of entry into shops, pharmacies, restaurants and hospitals, including beating of Nigerians on the streets with no police intervention among others”.
In the exercise of his function of protecting the interest of nationals of his sending State, as provided for under Article 5 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, the Nigerian Consul General, according to Rep Kalu, “was treated in clear violation of Article 40 of the same treaty which requires the receiving State to treat consular officers with due respect and to take all appropriate steps to prevent attack on their persons, freedom or dignity; this dignity was abused by the Chinese government when they ignored the request of the Nigerian High Commissioner to allow Nigerians back to their accommodation, access to hospitals or restaurants which led to the High Commissioner himself buying and distributing food to Nigerians who where hopeless and lying in the streets under the rain”.
The Lawmaker also recalled the troubling case of Mr. Felix Awah Elijah, a Nigerian citizen and legal resident in China who mysteriously disappeared after his abduction and prolonged illegal detention by Chinese police authorities sometime around 6th February, 2019; and of which all letters and appeals from his Representative in the House, were ignored by Chinese Authorities.
The Spokesman contended that, the actions of the Chinese authorities do not reciprocate the favourable treatment enjoyed by their nationals in Nigeria who thrive and operate businesses, which in several cases, “completely disregard our extant laws on immigration and expatriate quota”, but have instead, put a strain on the diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and China thereby endangering Nigerian businesses in China valued at billions of dollars.
It was therefore, resolved that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies should, “as a matter of urgency, ensure that all Nigerians who wish to return home, including Nigerians that only visited for business, Nigerians with any form of travel documents and identification, Nigerians with passports but expired visas, and Nigerians with passports and valid visas who have been ejected by house owners, Nigerians who have tested negative to Covid-19, are evacuated from China and quarantined upon arrival”.
The House also urged, “the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to provide all necessary financial and other assistance to any affected Nigerian citizen in China who wish to seek redress in any local or international court for breach of fundamental rights, loss of property or any other actionable cause occasioned by their maltreatment or discrimination in China”.
It will be recalled that, the Honourable Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Ahmed Jidda; undertook various independent and coordinated interventions, including meetings with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian, to register Nigeria’s displeasure with the incidents.
But the Republic of China has not shown any commitment to ending the xenophobic discriminations, while Nigerians in China keep languishing on daily basis.
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Event
One year in office anniversary: ICDA, AMAC Chairman Ebiojo Kebiru Felicitates with Idah LGA Chairman
By Abdulrahman Obaje
Comrade Ebiojo Kebiru Chairman, Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC congratulates Alhaji Alilu Alfa aka Alhaji-Alhaji, Executive Chairman, Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State on the ocassion of his one year in office.
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In a statement issued in Abuja Kebiru said the achievements of Alhaji Alilu within the short period of one year is astoudning.
Comrade Kebiru particularly highlights some of the achievements as the creation of access road in rural areas such as, idiede ward, Ankpa street, Sabon-gari; rural electrification, Ega market rehabilitation, empowerment programmes, etc
He said, As we celebrate this achievements, we pray for wisdom, good health and God guidance as you pilots the affairs of Idah LGA.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to the Executive Chairman as he marks one year of exemplary stewardhip e people of Idah LGA. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, good health, and astounding success.
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Celebrating Excellence: The Outstanding Achievements of Deputy Governor Joel Salifu
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja, Nigeria
As the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu has been making waves with his outstanding achievements, which have endeared him to the people of the state.
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One of his notable achievements is his role as Chairman of the Committee on Flood, where he played a crucial part in managing the 2024 floods in the state. His proactive approach and leadership skills ensured that the state was well-prepared to mitigate the effects of the flood, thereby minimizing the impact on the people and their properties.
Furthermore, Comrade Salifu’s diplomatic prowess was on full display when he successfully brokered an amicable settlement to the boundary dispute between Kogi and Enugu State at Ette in Olamaboro Local Government Area. This landmark achievement is a testament to his ability to navigate complex issues and find mutually beneficial solutions. The resolution of this long-standing dispute has brought relief to the affected communities and has paved the way for increased cooperation and collaboration between the two states.
In addition to his achievements in flood management and conflict resolution, Comrade Salifu has also been representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo admirably in various capacities. His representation has been characterized by humility and an open-door policy, which has endeared him to the people. He has been a worthy ambassador of the governor and the state, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration.
Comrade Salifu has also been a gracious host to traditional rulers in the state, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among them. His doors have always been open to the monarchs, listening to their concerns and working tirelessly to address them. This gesture has not only strengthened the relationship between the government and traditional institutions but has also promoted peace and stability in the state.
More so, Comrade Salifu’s ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state has been a hallmark of his administration. He has consistently engaged with traditional rulers, seeking their counsel and input on matters affecting their domains. This collaborative approach has not only earned him the respect and admiration of the traditional rulers but has also ensured that the government’s policies and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of each community.
Comrade Salifu’s commitment to the welfare of the people has also been evident in his interactions with labor leaders. He has hailed Governor Ododo as a visionary leader and attributed the harmonious relationship between labor unions and the government to the governor’s exemplary leadership style.
Moreover, Comrade Salifu has been actively representing the governor at key events across the state. For instance, he represented Governor Ododo at the inauguration of the Nyamkpo Community Electrification Project in Bassa local government Area. During the event, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development and emphasized the importance of electricity in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life.
In another show of compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people, Comrade Salifu played a key role in the payment of compensation to victims of the GSM Village fire disaster in Lokoja. His efforts ensured that the victims received the necessary support and assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. This gesture was widely applauded by the people, who saw it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
Remarkably, Comrade Joel Salifu’s achievements as Deputy Governor of Kogi State are a testament to his dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to the welfare of the people. His efforts in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and hosting traditional rulers have been outstanding, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration. As he continues to serve the people of Kogi State, it is clear that his legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good.
Notably, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu’s outstanding achievements are a shining testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership skills, and unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people of Kogi State. His impressive track record in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and fostering harmonious relationships with traditional rulers and labor leaders has been truly remarkable.
These accomplishments are a direct result of the visionary leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has been instrumental in driving progress in Kogi State. The governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people, his diplomatic prowess, and his ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state have been impressive.
Moreover, the wise decision made by Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to lay the foundation for the progress Kogi State is experiencing today has been instrumental in shaping the state’s success. As the state continues to thrive under Governor Ododo’s leadership, it is clear that his choice was indeed a good one, and one that will have a lasting impact on the state.
Conclusively, Deputy Governor Salifu’s legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good. His selfless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of the people of Kogi State, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
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EventJanuary 30, 2025One year in office anniversary: ICDA, AMAC Chairman Ebiojo Kebiru Felicitates with Idah LGA ChairmanPoliticsJanuary 29, 2025Structural Formattion: NLM charges National Director Mobilization and Contact to investigate listsReligiousJanuary 29, 2025Bridging Divides: Stakeholders Unite to Tackle Religious Intolerance in NigeriaNewsJanuary 29, 2025Celebrating Excellence: The Outstanding Achievements of Deputy Governor Joel Salifu
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ICDA FCT congratulate Kogi Gov Ododo on One year in office
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA Federal Capital Territory, FCT and Surrounding Towns congratulate the Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on the ocassion of his one year in office.
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In a statement issued by the Director of Media, ICDA, FCT & Surrounding Towns, Prince AbdulRahman Obaje The Chairman ICDA FCT, Alhaji Ahmed Usman highlights Governor Ododo’s achievement within the short period of one year.
Alhaji Ahmed said Some of the achievements of Governor Ododo include committment to workers welfare, alleviating poverty and unemployment, transparency and good governance.
He said, As we celebrate this milestone, we pray for the Governor’s continued good health, wisdom and guidance as he leads the people of Kogi State to greater heights.”
“We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest respect to the Executive Governor as he marks one year of worthy service and exemplary leadership. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, health, and enduring success.
The Governor’s invaluable role as a unifying force in Kogi State and beyond, and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire others.” He concludes.
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