Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has strongly condemned the recent protest in Ghana targeting Nigerians, describing it as “deeply disturbing and contrary to the spirit of African brotherhood.”
The Senator was reacting to a viral video on social media showing some Ghanaians protesting and calling on their authorities to expel Nigerians from the country over claims that their behaviour was not in line with Ghanaian norms.
Senator Bassey, a member of the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, in a statement on Tuesday, called on both Nigeria and Ghana to maintain the long-standing bond of friendship, mutual respect, and regional cooperation that binds the two nations.
“We must keep the flame of brotherhood alive. Nigeria and Ghana, as key members of ECOWAS, should be at the forefront of promoting peace, unity, and regional integration as enshrined in the ECOWAS charter,” he said.
Senator Bassey commended the swift intervention of the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, for their timely and diplomatic handling of the situation.
He also lauded both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissioners for working collaboratively to de-escalate tensions and restore calm.
Reassuring Nigerians living in Ghana, Senator Bassey noted that the authorities of both nations are in active communication and have already taken proactive steps to manage the situation and protect the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens.
“We stand with every law-abiding Nigerian in Ghana and urge calm as the appropriate diplomatic channels are being effectively explored,” he added.
He urged Nigerians living in Ghana to remain law-abiding and desist from incendiary words and continually to toe the path of peace and harmony.
Media Unit
Office of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs,
National Assembly
