Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), is under fire for alleged selective justice in her role as a representative of Nigerians abroad.
Some Nigerians argue that she has shown bias in addressing cases of ethnic discrimination.
Dabiri-Erewa previously stated that her mandate involves addressing issues of ethnic bigotry against Nigerians living abroad. She called on Nigerians to report similar cases, promising to address them appropriately.
However, questions have been raised about her silence on a recent case involving Kingsley Ugiagbe, a Nigerian residing in Vienna, Austria. Ugiagbe allegedly made inflammatory and threatening statements about mass poisoning of the Igbo community and harming their children. Critics are questioning why Dabiri-Erewa has not yet addressed this incident, asking whether her jurisdiction extends selectively or if Austria is somehow excluded.
This controversy follows her swift action in the case of Amaka Sunnberger, whose threats were reported to Canadian authorities. However, her perceived silence on Ugiagbe’s comments against the Igbo community has sparked accusations of bias. The issue has gained further traction after the Edo community in Austria suspended Ugiagbe, highlighting Dabiri-Erewa’s lack of response.
Nigerians are now questioning Dabiri-Erewa’s role as Chairman of NIDCOM, asking if her mandate involves selectively representing certain groups while ignoring the concerns of others.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Federal Government’s perceived inaction and called for the immediate arrest of Kingsley Ugiagbe. They urge Nigerian authorities to act with the same urgency and commitment demonstrated in the case of Amaka Sonnberger, who faced arrest in Canada for advocating the poisoning of certain Nigerians.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, also condemned Ugiagbe’s remarks, warning against fostering tribal and religious divisions among Nigerians. He emphasized the need for unity and urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s pressing challenges, such as insecurity, high living costs, and leadership failures, instead of allowing ethnic and religious animosity to deepen.
Meanwhile, the Igbo Community in Ontario is closely monitoring the case involving Amaka Sunnberger, who was arrested and later released by Toronto Police.
Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor expressed outrage over a disturbing TikTok audio where a man identifying himself as Kingsley, a Nigerian based in Austria, called for the poisoning of Igbo children. Ejiofor described the statement as a blatant incitement to violence and an affront to humanity.
Activist Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo has challenges Abike Dabiri-Erewa to “keep quiet and stop grandstanding” and allow the Canadian authorities to handle the Amaka Sunnberger case without her biased input. He argues that the Canadian authorities are more than capable of delivering justice in the case and do not need the involvement of a “biased bigot and hypocrite” like Dabiri-Erewa.
Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu also criticized Dabiri-Erewa, questioning why there is a push to prosecute Amaka Patience Sunnberger while similar actions are not being taken against those who have called for violence against the Igbo people.
