The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called for calm and restraint following a viral video depicting Ghanaians protesting and demanding the deportation of Nigerians over alleged unruly behavior.
In a statement released in Abuja, Senator Bassey Aniekan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, condemned the widespread indignation against Nigerians, dismissing the blanket branding of them as criminals as “unacceptable.”
He asserted that “Nigerians are hardworking people and not criminals as purported, and are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves.”
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While acknowledging the possibility of “a few bad eggs,” the lawmaker emphasized that the vast majority of Nigerians residing in Ghana are “peaceful and law-abiding people.”
Senator Aniekan underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the two West African nations, stating that “Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace.”
He stressed that “dialogue has proven countless times to be a tool for peace and should be deployed.”
He urged Nigerians in Ghana to “remain calm, avoid provocations, and resist reprisals” as the matter is being addressed.
Aniekan confirmed, “I have received reports that the issue is being addressed at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.”
Furthermore, Aniekan cautioned against inflammatory remarks from both sides, warning that such utterances could escalate tensions.
He also dismissed online videos purporting the destruction of Nigerian shops and properties in Ghana, insisting that “there is no evidence to buttress such claims.”
Finally, the senator commended the efforts of both the Ghanaian and Nigerian High Commissioners, as well as the proactive steps taken by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in working to de-escalate the situation.
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