Nigerians took to social media to lambast Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), for resurfacing an old case, sparking allegations of ethnic bias. Dabiri-Erewa faced backlash following her recent comments about Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons, with many accusing her of fueling anti-Igbo sentiments.
A statement by NIDCOM further explained: “At a meeting with Barrister Emmanuel Isha Ogebe in Washington DC, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended Mr Ogebe for his selflessness and kindness in taking up the case.
“Several years back, a delegation from Nigeria, headed by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Ojo Madueke, which included Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa, then a member of the House of Representatives, former Chairman NDLEA, Mr Ipinmosho, among others, had visited Indonesian prison to plead for clemency for 21 Nigerians on death row convicted for drug trafficking.
“Four of them have been executed along with an Indonesian and British citizen.A Nigerian lawyer Mr Emmanuel Isha Ogebe, based in the USA, had later approached Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her intervention and offered pro bono services for Ihejirika, whose case appeared to be one of mistaken identity, and offered to follow the case through.
“He succeded, as he took the case up to the Supreme Court, and Ihejirika was finally let off the hook in December.
One Twitter user, @innocentz077, expressed frustration, stating, “She intentionally did it😭💔 these guys have destroyed Igbos with propaganda 😭 this is not 70s anymore oo.” This sentiment was echoed by others, including @Idythforgod, who added, “Thank goodness for internet today. Your propaganda against Igbos is dead on arrival. Go & save lots of Yorubas in death row in Saudi Arabian prisons & other countries of the world.”
Many others on the platform labeled Dabiri-Erewa’s comments as divisive. @Rexjosh42 accused her of writing “rubbish just to push her propaganda,” while @DaveTorty criticized her for bringing up a case that was settled last December, suggesting she was playing a “shameless and dirty game.”
Some users pointed out the broader implications of her statements. @victoroghene00 accused her of lying about Nigerians dying in Ethiopian prisons and blocking their transfer to Nigeria, while @NonooUdeze said, “She can never beat the allegations of being a bigot. The thing has a way of reflecting, no matter how she tries to hide it.”
As the criticism mounted, Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds joined in the conversation. @RaphChima was particularly incensed, saying, “Government officials paid with taxpayers’ monies pushing igbophobia with blatant fake news and misrepresentation of facts is something that I find bewildering!”
Others, like @C_Asikan, warned that the cycle of hate must end, noting, “Power and position are transient. This Igbo hate will one day come to an end.”
The incident has reignited concerns about ethnic tensions and the role of government officials in perpetuating stereotypes and misinformation in Nigeria’s delicate socio-political landscape.
