President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday , in Paris, France informed Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country’s electoral process has not been fully fine-tuned to permit their participation in the electoral process, adding that they will consequently not be allowed to participate in the 2019 general elections, in Nigeria.
The President who was speaking during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Paris, on the sideline of the Paris Peace Forum, said the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has not put the machinery in place to allow Diaspora Nigerians vote during general elections
“ The population of citizens in various countries across the world already necessitate their inclusion to elect leaders, noting that it might not happen in the 2019 elections as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had been more focused on strengthening and consolidating on its achievements of conducting credible elections within the country.”
READ ALSO: Buhari decries 5% allocation to education budget
According to him” Nigerian constitution had taken into cognizance the need for representation in the political structures in order to ensure harmony and development, urging more people to pick interest in governance and quality representation.”
The Nigerian Ambassador to France, Modupe Enitan Irele, in her remarks had noted that “ the Nigerian community in France had demonstrated high sense of responsibility, dedication and morality, adding that the large number of professionals had been encouraged to also contribute to the country’s development.
“Nigerians here are law abiding, peaceful and resourceful,’’ she said.
Irele said President Buhari’s commitment to change will make Nigeria the envy of other African countries.
The Nigerians in diaspora, who participated in the meeting, raised questions on education, inclusive elections, security infrastructure and the economy.
Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, recently nominated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Diaspora Commission, facilitated the meeting that was attended by Governors Willie Obiano, Aminu Masari and John Kayode Fayemi, of Anambra, Katsina and Ekiti states respectively and top government functionaries.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
