…As NiDCOM Rejects Appointment Of ‘Diaspora Shadow Ministers’

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has warned the diaspora community across the world to be cautious of the activities of a certain Mr. Kenneth Gbandi who goes around appointing Nigerians as Diaspora Shadow Ministers.

A statement by the secretary to the Commission Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi explains that the appointment of the so-called “Diaspora Shadow Ministers” under the guise of asking the diasporas to be part of “African Democratic Process” which incidentally has the same acronym as a Political Party in Nigeria for which Mr. Kenneth Gbandi is a member, is not recognized.

It says the Nigerian democratic space and practice does not recognize shadow cabinet in the constitution.

NiDCOM says it only recognises the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari and therefore warns members of the Nigerians in the Diaspora community to beware of being used by anyone seeking desperate moves to be politically relevant in the diaspora community and in Nigeria.

“While acknowledging the rights of all and sundry to free association, it must be noted that this so-called Diaspora Shadow Ministers as being deployed by Mr. Kenneth Gbandi to further his objectives that for now, the commission does not seem to know”, the document read.

The statement adds that already, 3 of the appointees, had declined the appointment and membership of his group.

NiDCOM Statement Reads

The attention of the Management of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abuja, Nigeria has been drawn to the so-called appointment of
“Diaspora Shadow Ministers”  by a certain Mr. Kenneth Gbandi who we think
is the former Chairman, NIDO Europe.

The appointment of the so-called “Diaspora Shadow Ministers” under the guise of asking the diasporas to be part of the so-called “African Democratic Process” which incidentally has the same acronym as a Political Party in Nigeria for which Mr. Kenneth Gbandi is a member:

(i) The Nigerian democratic space and practice does not recognize shadow cabinet in the Nigerian Constitution.
(ii) Who is the “Diaspora Shadow Ministers” anchoring on?
(iii) We in Nigeria only recognize the cabinet of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR of the All Progressive Congress Party (APC) government who was duly elected at the last Presidential Elections in 2019.

NiDCOM, therefore, warns members of the Nigerians in the Diaspora community to beware of being used by anyone seeking every desperate move to be relevant politically in the Diaspora community and in
Nigeria.

While acknowledging the rights of all and sundry to free association, it must be noted that this so-called DSM is being deployed by Mr. Kenneth Gbandi to further his objectives that for now, we do not seem to know. The question on the lips of observers is as to whether he is forming a parallel government abroad while hiding under the shadow of diaspora and political formation.

Already three (3) of the appointees, had declined the appointment and membership of this group.

It is therefore imperative to also urge all Nigerians in the Diaspora to shun what is NOT right and be good ambassadors of Nigeria wherever they find themselves