Hello: IS NIDO? Nigerians in Diaspora mount opposition against Buhari BY OUR REPORTER ON JANUARY 18, 2015 NATIONAL Nigerians in Diaspora have raised their opposition against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, in the February 14 presidential election. The groundswell of opposition against the former military ruler is coming from the United States chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO). At a press conference held at the Hilton Garden, Washington DC, Hon. Victor Ugho, the immediate past Vice-President of NIDO, who is now the current President of the Georgia State chapter of the association with headquarters in Atlanta, urged the former Head of State to perish the thought of becoming the next president of the country, saying that the world had moved past the likes of Buhari. Hon. Ugho berated Buhari for allowing himself to be pushed around by people who were looking for ways to cause more pains to Nigerians. His words: “As a matter of sincerity, I do not think Buhari is the best candidate for Nigeria at this period in time. He was there as Head of State, what did he do? Besides, he has not told us what he is going to do differently. We need continuity; the choice should not be based on tribal sentiments. Let him tell us how he is going to fix the so-called terrible situation he has identified. We need somebody who will not bring disunity.” Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of NIDO, Mr. Ndubusi George, called on Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to think wisely and vote for the right candidate in next month’s presidential election. “The devil we know is better than the angel we do not know. What we need now in the country is for all of us to unite and support President Jonathan who has been tested and trusted to lead the country for another four years. It is a fact that you should not expect something that had been damaged for years to be fixed overnight; it requires patience and perseverance to achieve this,” he said. Similarly, the Diaspora Campaign Network (DCN) described the presidential aspiration of Gen Buhari as laughable. The National Coordinator of the organization, Mr Franklin Ekechukwu, said Nigerians could not afford to return the management of the nation’s economy to a vestige of the military era during which time the nation’s economy was damaged. He said, “Nigeria has made a big stride in the right direction since Jonathan became the president. Nigerians need to exercise patience to allow his policies to manifest.” “It is laughable when somebody who was a retired military dictator suddenly becomes a father of democratic norms, whereas, when as a ruler, he dismissed the constitution and ruled by decree. Nigeria cannot go back to the old days where anything goes without proper planning,” he maintained. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER OF MEDIA REPORT FROM NIDOA RE: POLITICAL RALLY STATEMENTS ERRONIOUSLY CREDITED TO NIDO AMERICAS The Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in the Americas (NIDOA) has been made aware of a world-wide media report concerning the unauthorized political rally in the United States of America, in support of a candidate for election in the coming Nigerian general election. In addition, we have seen some pronouncements made on behalf of the Organization purportedly by certain members of the Organization. Comments were credited to these individuals and photographs showing banners bearing the logo and name of NIDO were carried in support of a presidential candidate. This matter was discussed at the Board meeting of the Organization on Sunday January 18, 2015, and the actions and statements attributed to our members have been referred to the NIDOA Board’s Investigation Committee for necessary action. NIDOA categorically dissociates itself from any foreknowledge or approval of any support for this privately organized political rally. The Organization unequivocally disclaims the statements credited to these individuals and maintains that they are NOT representative of the Organization’s position nor those of its membership. We affirm that the political support rally was NOT authorized by the Board of Directors of NIDO Americas. We also wish to make it abundantly clear that these individuals were not speaking for the Organization. NIDO is, has been, and remains a non-partisan organization. The mission of the Organization is to engage the Nigerian government on programs, propose policies, and provide opinions that will advance the interests and welfare of all Nigerian citizens living in the Diaspora. Our core goal is to utilize the NIDO forum as a platform for harnessing the talents and resources of the Nigerian Diaspora for the enhancement of Nigeria’s development. To this end, NIDO Americas will work with the Nigerian Government and its policy makers to propose and implement strategies for achieving this goal. It is therefore regrettable and totally unacceptable that any member of NIDOA would engage in activities that do not align with our policies and bylaws, purportedly, in the name of the Organization. NIDOA stands shoulder-to-shoulder with all well-meaning Nigerians in support of: a) A free, fair and peaceful electoral process at the local, state and federal levels; b) A violence-free election: before, during and after the elections. c) A transparent process that would win the confidence of the electorate and minimize post-election litigations and inter-party rancor that may throw our fledgling democracy into and unwarranted tailspin. We take this opportunity to appeal for a peaceful process throughout the election season and request all candidates to place the nation’s interest above their personal in the interest of the nation. Long Live NIDO Americas Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:38:26 +0000
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