The Senate on Tuesday appealed for calm following a viral video showing some Ghanaians protesting and demanding the deportation of Nigerians over alleged unruly behaviour.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Senator Bassey Aniekan, condemned the widespread indignation against Nigerians, describing the branding of them as criminals as unacceptable.
He said, “Nigerians are hardworking people and not criminals as purported, and are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves.”
While acknowledging that there may be a few bad eggs, the lawmaker stressed that the majority of Nigerians living in Ghana are “peaceful and law-abiding people.”
The senator underscored the long-standing relationship between both countries, noting that “Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace, stressing that dialogue has proven countless times to be a tool for peace and should be deployed.”
He urged Nigerians living in Ghana to remain calm, avoid provocations, and resist reprisals as the issue was being addressed.
“I have received reports that the issue is being addressed at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu,” he confirmed.
Aniekan further cautioned against inflammatory remarks from both sides, warning that such utterances could worsen tensions.
He also dismissed online videos alleging that Nigerian shops and properties were being destroyed in Ghana, insisting that “there is no evidence to buttress such claims.”
The senator commended the efforts of both the Ghanaian and Nigerian High Commissioners as well as the proactive steps taken by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to calm the situation.
Credit: punchng.com
