The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for calm.
Her statement followed a viral video where some Ghanaians demanded the deportation of Nigerians living in Ghana.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that the protesters accused Nigerians of ritual killings, armed robbery, and market domination.
However, they provided no evidence to back their claims.
In a statement released Tuesday, Dabiri-Erewa strongly condemned the protests.
She spoke through AbdurRahman Balogun, the Commission’s Director of Public Relations.
She described the protesters’ behavior as unacceptable and unrepresentative of Ghana’s values.
Furthermore, she stated that the behavior regional unity.
NiDCOM firmly rejected the blanket criminalization of Nigerians living in Ghana. Moreover, the agency insisted that most Nigerians in Ghana are law-abiding.
“Not all Nigerians are criminals,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “Most serve as good ambassadors of our country abroad.”
Indeed, she admitted that a few bad eggs exist. Yet she urged authorities to isolate and punish only the guilty.
In addition, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the historical bond between Nigeria and Ghana. “Both nations are like Siamese twins,” she said.
She stressed the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence. Therefore, she urged both sides to act with maturity and calm.
“Thus, in the spirit of ECOWAS, we must continue to live in harmony,” she added.
Furthermore, she urged Nigerians in Ghana to remain peaceful. She also advised them not to react violently to any provocation.
“The issue is already under diplomatic attention,” she assured. “Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu is handling it at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.”
Moreover, Dabiri-Erewa urged restraint in online discourse. She warned that inciting comments could worsen the situation.
“Stop using divisive language,” she advised. “It only inflames tension and risks more violence.”
Additionally, she debunked reports that Ghanaians were attacking Nigerians’ properties. She confirmed that no verified evidence supports those claims.
“There’s no proof of any shops being destroyed,” she clarified. “We must stop spreading unverified videos and rumors.”
She also cautioned Nigerians against retaliatory attacks. “Let’s avoid revenge. That will only worsen our situation.”
Meanwhile, she commended both Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissioners. She praised their efforts in diffusing the tension.
She revealed that the Foreign Affairs Minister had contacted Ghanaian authorities and taken early steps to prevent escalation.
Consequently, Dabiri-Erewa ended by urging everyone to remain calm. She reminded both sides that diplomacy and dialogue remain the best path forward.