The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM),Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa led other Diasporans to canvass for the rights of the Nigerians living abroad on Diaspora Voting at the National Public Hearing on further alteration to the Provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The event which took place at International conference centre, Abuja was moderated by the Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege alongside other Senators.
Others who joined Abike Dabiri-Erewa via zoom from all continents of the world , to participate for the first time in a Public Hearing by the Nigerian Senate include: Dr Pemus Eweama–Chairperson of Nigerian Association of Western Australia,
and Mr. Ayo Akinfe–CANUK, United Kingdom.
Others were Prince Ben Okoli — NICASA President, South Africa,
Dr Yetunde Omede– Rep Women, USA., Amb. Edward Sarki–DG Diaspora Group, Gombe State, Wale Adesanya– Nigerian-Canadian Business Network and
Abiodun Odunuga– France and Youth.
Other presenters were Dr. James Iyore– Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group, Obed Monago–Chairman, NIDO Americas, Engr. Nazeer Alhassan– Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Dr. Abba Elgujja– Infection Control Unit, King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia all expressed their desire to participate in the electioneering process in Nigeria, and called for an amendment to the Constitution to make Diaspora voting a reality.
The NIDCOM Boss stressed that ” over 119 countries conduct Diaspora Voting, Nigeria cannot afford to be left out given the humongous contributions of Nigerians in Diaspora to the Nigerian economy “.
In his presentation before the committee, Prince Ade Omole, Chairman Nigerian Diaspora Voting Council explained that the Diaspora Voting Bill which has passed second reading in the National Assembly is seeking to amend Section 77 and 117 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to allow Nigerians in the Diaspora participate in electoral process.
Omole further said that the entire Nigerian Capital (stock) budget is $20 billion and the budget of Nigeria is between $30 to $32 billion dollars, adding that Nigerians in the Diaspora remit about that amount of money to the economy.
