According to Femi Adesina, the Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity, certain Nigerians have become deaf, blind, and memoryless with respect to all of President Muhammadu Buhari’s accomplishments.
In an essay headlined “Buhari’s footprints from home to Diaspora,” which he uploaded on his own Facebook page, Adesina made this revelation. He claims that certain Nigerians intentionally caused blindness, deafness, and amnesia in order to cover up President Buhari’s legacy.
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His post says, in part:
“Unless you are the discerning type, listening to public discourse today, you would think the only thing happening in the country is insecurity. Yes, Nigeria has battled, and is still battling grave security issues. But it will win. As sure as night follows the day. In fact, insurgents and bandits are being put on the back foot already. Nigeria shall win.
However, the footprints of President Muhammadu Buhari are visible in many areas of our national life, and will remain indelible. At least for those who are fair, and open-minded, not those who have afflicted themselves with willful blindness, deafness and amnesia. One area where President Buhari will never be forgotten is in diaspora matters. How the country relates with its nationals abroad, taps into their skills and capacities, takes care of their needs, and generally gives them a sense of inclusion in national affairs.
In 2017, Buhari saw to the enactment of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (Establishment) Act, which provides for the engagement of Nigerians in diaspora in the policies, projects and participation in the development of Nigeria, and for the purpose of utilizing the human capital and material resources of Nigerians in diaspora towards the overall socio-economic, cultural and political development of the country.”
“Every week, we hold the State House Press Briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team. And who was our guest last week? Hon Abike Dabiri, who had a lot to unfold, justifying why Buhari is known today as the ‘Most Loving Diaspora President’ we’ve had.
Nigeria boasts of great human resources, both at home and in diaspora. But it is one thing to have the rich resources, it’s another thing to harness them. That is what NIDCOM, with the active support of the President, is doing.
Who is a diaspora? A Nigerian who lives and works abroad, and who maintains links with the country and shows clear interest in contributing to her development in diverse ways. We are not talking of Nigerians who have ‘japa’ (to use a popular local lingo), and who have resolved to have nothing to do with motherland again. Some even stay abroad, and start throwing stones at their country, calling it all sorts of names.
In terms of financial remittances, see what our diaspora have done in the past three years. Mind you, we are talking of funds remitted through official channels, which can be tracked and recorded, and not unofficial ones.
To show the national acceptability that President Buhari has given to diaspora matters, Abia and Edo States have also set up Diaspora Commissions, and signed bills into law. We are sure making progress. From Washington to Russia, France, South Africa, Rwanda, Portugal, India, and many other countries, President Buhari has held Town Hall meetings with Nigerians resident abroad. When there were flare-ups in South Africa, Libya, Lebanon, Ukraine, and other places, he promptly brought willing Nigerians back home, not minding cost.
Truly, we have with us the Most Diaspora Friendly President, and this, among others, will stand him in good stead, when he breasts the tape in May, next year. But insecurity? Let the naysayers wait and see. Even that, will become history”
