Diaspora Group Clarifies Invitation to Senate President

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) Americas, one of umbrella bodies for Nigerians living in America has said its invitation to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for a dialogue in Houston in May 2017, is due to his position as the head of the legislative branch of government.

The organisation made the clarification following reports circulating online of a planned protest by some Nigerians resident in Houston during the visit, where Saraki is expected to participate in a conference themed “Reversing Brain Drain to Brain Gain.”

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, NIDO Americas, Mr. Samuel Adewusi, in a statement issued yesterday, however acknowledged the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest.

“That being said, the Distinguished Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki was invited as the head of the co-equal legislative branch of the Nigerian government to dialogue with Nigerians in Diaspora on how best the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) can assist in “Reversing Brain Drain to Brain Gain.”

“The role of NASS cannot be over-emphasised within the governmental system of Nigeria. The NASS passes Bills that enables the Presidency to function. In addition, without NASS appropriating funds and passing budgets, the wheels of government will grind to a halt,” he added.

Adewusi recalled that the leadership of the National Assembly recently saw to the passage of the Diaspora Commission Bill, for which presidential assent is being awaited. He added that NIDO Worldwide still needs the help of NASS to pass the Diaspora Voting Bill.

“The Distinguished Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki was invited to dialogue with all Nigerians in Diaspora on how best to pass laws to make the Diaspora an integral part in building a better Nigeria, especially, how the Nigerian Diaspora can contribute in the areas of Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Agriculture, Health Sector and affordable Real Estate. This is a dialogue designed for all patriotic Nigerians to participate in,” Adewusi added.