The Digest:
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has responded to UK politician Kemi Badenoch’s false remarks about Nigerian citizenship laws, emphasizing that the claim about women not being able to pass citizenship is inaccurate and misleading.
Key Points:
- Kemi Badenoch’s comment on Nigerian citizenship laws sparked controversy after claiming women cannot pass citizenship to their children.
- Dabiri-Erewa debunked this, citing Section 25(1)(c) of Nigeria’s Constitution, which allows both parents to confer citizenship to their children.
- Dabiri-Erewa criticized Badenoch for spreading false information on international platforms and reaffirmed that Nigerians abroad have the right to express themselves without defaming the country.
- Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, also condemned Badenoch’s statement, calling it ignorant and politically motivated.
- The exchange has prompted renewed debate on how public figures of Nigerian descent address their home country in international forums.
- Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that Nigeria’s image should not be tarnished, especially by influential figures.
Dabiri-Erewa’s sharp response to Kemi Badenoch’s false claims highlights the responsibility diaspora figures hold when addressing national matters. The clarification reaffirms Nigeria’s inclusive citizenship laws, dispelling misconceptions.
Sources: Premium Times, Channels TV, TheCable
