President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the few Nigerians abroad indulging in criminal activities do not represent the values of majority of the people of the country.
Speaking in Yokohama during a meeting with leaders of the Nigerian community living in Japan on the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD7, the President also warned that his administration will not condone any crime either home or abroad from such Nigerians.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina quoted the president as saying;
“Let me also say that there are few Nigerians in the Diaspora that are giving us a bad name by engaging in criminal activities. These Nigerians are a minority, they do not represent the values of our country, and I plead with them to change their ways.
“We will not condone any crime whether at home or abroad, and we will also not allow these Nigerians define us as a people with reputation for criminality.”
The statement said the President urged Nigerians in Japan to be good ambassadors of their fatherland.
“I am personally very happy that there are millions of Nigerians all over the world, like you here, who are truly making us proud. Majority of the over 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora are “the face of Nigeria globally and our ambassadors for good. Many of our Diasporans, like your good selves here today, have excelled in varying fields of endeavor, both professionally and individually.
“You have also made significant and overwhelmingly positive contributions to your Nigerian and international host communities. You have continually been a positive bridge between Nigeria and the world. It is not an easy feat and we commend you, salute your courage and efforts.”
He further assured them that, “We have put in place the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) to put the country on a path of sustained recovery and growth. As you are aware, I have regularly held town hall meetings with Nigerians in the Diaspora on all my foreign engagements be they in Europe, Asia, America, and Africa.
“At these fora, I have always, appealed to our citizens to be our good ambassadors, observe the laws of your host countries, excel in whatever you do legitimately, and also remember us at home (Nigeria). I have established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission specifically to engage with you, signifying a coordinated attempt by our administration to increase the involvement of our Diaspora in our national development.
“Collectively, your resources, skills, and talents will be a positive force for our country which can help accelerate our national growth and development.”
