FG asks Nigerians abroad to stop funding secessionist groups

Nigerians living abroad have been asked by the minister of information and culture Lai Mohammed, to stop sponsoring secessionist groups. 

The Minister who said this during a visit by delegation of UK chapter of Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), urged members of the group to sweep the carpet off the feet of secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who are bent on pushing false narratives to portray Nigeria in a bad light.

Lai Mohammed also asked members of the group to complement Government’s effort, rather than propagate fake narratives and “untrue” allegations of religious persecution, political marginalisation, and human rights abuses.

He said; 

“It is alarming and disappointing that some Nigerians in Diaspora still rely on platforms that peddle fake news and misinformation about Nigeria. 

“I, therefore, want to use this opportunity to appeal to NIDO to seize the initiative from those who are bent on painting Nigeria bad in the comity of nations.

“As an organised 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.

“I also urge them to sweep the carpet off the feet of secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who are bent on pushing false narratives to portray Nigeria in a 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.”

Insisting that the present adminstration has acknowledged the challenges facing the country, especially in the area of insecurity and is “earnestly” tackling them, Lai concluded by saying that the federal government is re-engineering and ramping up diplomatic efforts to counter and reverse the narrative, in addition to countering pervasive anti-government propaganda.