The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed has said that secessionist groups are effectively using some Nigerians in Diaspora to propagate their fake narratives about Nigeria.
Mohammed stated this during a courtesy visit by members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, NIDO, UK Chapter in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the minister, these Nigerians in Diaspora end up creating fake narratives and untrue allegations of religious persecution, political marginalization and human rights abuses which are baseless and false.
He said “It is in recognition of the relevance of Nigerians in Diaspora
that the secessionist groups that are campaigning around the world for their causes have identified and are effectively using some of them (Nigerians in Diaspora) to propagate their fake narratives about the country, in addition to relying on their financial contributions to fund their nefarious activities. This is disheartening.
“Instead of contributing their own quota to these efforts, all you
hear from a section of Nigerians in Diaspora and their allies back
home are fake narratives and untrue allegations of religious
persecution, political marginalization, human rights abuses, etc. These are baseless and false,” he said.
He therefore pleaded with NIDO help change the narrative and sweep the carpet off the feet of secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who are bent on pushing false narratives to portray Nigeria in bad light.
“I therefore want to use this opportunity to appeal to NIDO to
seize the initiative from those who are bent on painting Nigeria.
“As an organized and well connected group, I implore NIDO to leverage its contacts in government circles, parliamentary groups and global think tanks in world capitals to help change the narrative and sweep the carpet off the feet of secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who are bent on pushing false narratives to portray Nigeria in bad light. I have no doubt that you will take this call seriously and do everything in your power to change the narrative for the better.”
