Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has advised Nigerians living abroad to be careful not to violate laws relating to campaign funding ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the call during the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) held at the Nigeria Consulate in New York on Saturday evening and monitored virtually by newsmen in Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa, who also spoke virtually at the meeting titled: “NIDOA Renaissance: Leveraging on New Generation Leadership,” urged them to ensure that they observe the laws in their support for presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections
“I have been hearing stories that you are going to raise money for one person or the other person.
“Whatever you do, don’t break the laws of elections and funding in Nigeria. I think that is very important.
“I won’t encourage you to break any law relating to political funding; you know how it is operated in America.
“Ensure you observe the laws also in Nigeria.
“So as we move on, I can guarantee you that under this administration, we will continue to protect our Diasporans,” she said
It would be recalled that the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, recently inaugurated an 11-man Diaspora Committee to organise fund-raising activities in support of the Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi.
The Inauguration also came a day after the party’s Diaspora support groups, in a media report, pledged to unveil a crowdfunding portal with a target to raise $150 million from Obi’s supporters in the Diaspora and N100 billion from those in Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa also urged them not to be disappointed that they won’t be participating in the 2023 polls.
She advised them to intensify effort to engage the National Assembly so that Diaspora voting could be passed into law.
“I know that you can’t vote in 2023, but don’t be disappointed.
“Rather, you need to work harder to lobby the National Assembly to make it possible for the Diasporans to be able to vote.
“However, you have the voice and use your voice to urge all eligible voters to cast their vote.
“I urge you, as the president always says three things; be good ambassadors, obey the laws of whatever countries you are and let us continue to be proud of you and what you are doing, ” she said.