Ohanaeze Ndigbo has asked President Bola Tinubu to sack Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), if she fails to apologise for alleged derogatory comments against the Igbo.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural group said Dabiri has consistently promoted bigotry and ethnic profiling against Igbos, particularly those in the diaspora.
In a statement signed by, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General, and Thompson Ohia, National Spokesman, the group accused Dabiri of using her social media pages to amplify defamatory posts that portrayed the Igbo “as caricatures before national and global audiences.”
Part of the statement read: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognises that the grievous insults emanating from her statements are not isolated incidents but rather reflective of a troubling pattern of ethnic profiling and biased treatment specifically aimed at the Igbo people in the diaspora.
“Over recent years, the leadership of the Igbo community has diligently documented her selective and disparaging comments, particularly in instances where vital intervention by her office was required.
“Numerous petitions and complaints have surfaced, alleging that Mrs Dabiri has consistently neglected her responsibilities to safeguard the interests of diaspora Igbos.”
The group said Dabiri’s failure to support Igbo citizens facing hardships abroad is an indictment of her office.
It also cited her alleged dissemination of offensive content in which Igbos were referred to as “monkeys,” describing the action as “egregious and shocking.”
Ohanaeze urged Tinubu to take “decisive action” by holding the NIDCOM boss accountable.
“It is our fervent expectation that if Mrs Abike Dabiri fails to issue an immediate and unreserved apology to the Igbo nation, President Tinubu should consider her removal from office.
“Such action will send a resounding message that there is a zero-tolerance policy for the abuse of public office, insubordination, and the perpetuation of ethnic discrimination,” the group stated.
The group said the time has come for those in positions of authority to respect the dignity of all Nigerians, especially members of marginalised groups.
