EXPOSE BAD NUTS AMONG YOU… H. E. Obanikoro tells Nigerians in Bolga

HIS EXCELLENCY Musiliu. O. Obanikoro, Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana, has charged his fellow Nigerians in the country, to collectively expose the bad ones among them, to redeem the sunken image of Nigeria in Ghana.

His call comes in the wake of alleged recent verbal attacks and name-calling on Nigerian residents in Ghana. These alleged verbal attacks, and name-calling like “419”, were some of the concerns raised by members of the Nigeria community in Bolgatanga, when the High Commissioner interacted with them.

Some of the Nigerians also alleged that there were threats on their businesses by some Ghanaians, thereby jeopardising their businesses.

Reacting to the concerns of his people, H. E. Obanikoro reminded them that bad news traveled faster and farther than good news, therefore there was the need for them to expose the bad nuts among them for the law to take its course, rather than condoning and conniving with them to continue to operate only for their unbridled gains.

He told them that the relationship that existed between Ghana and Nigeria, was a long-standing one, thus all Nigerians must be guided by this to live a more dignifying life for the continuation of this relationship.

His Excellency Obanikoro observed that Nigeria was the third country to have invested significantly in Ghana, with about $1 billion.

He, therefore, said it was important for Nigerians, who were doing legitimate businesses, to be allowed and encouraged to operate to earn a living, while contributing to the development of Ghana.

This was because no country or community could develop without the contributions of foreigners in that country or community. “It is out of ignorance that some people turn to be hostile to foreigners,” he stated.

He noted that Ghana and Nigeria could co-operate and collaborate to reduce poverty among the peoples of the two countries, but this could only be done if all the existing barriers were removed to facilitate trade.

H. E. Obanikoro advised Nigerians, irrespective of their varied tribes, to form associations of Nigerians living in Ghana, and meet regularly to discuss matters that would help them achieve their core aim and objective of staying in Ghana. “Be ambassadors of Nigeria wherever you find yourselves,” he advised.

He, however, strongly warned Nigerians in the Upper East Region to stay away from the Bawku ethnic crisis.

He said the best they could do in that view, was to support the Regional Minister find a permanent solution to the crisis, and not fuel it.

H. E. Obanikoro hinted that Nigeria was working towards the launch of a biometric passport to solve the current passport problems that Nigerians in foreign countries were faced with.

He was optimistic that the Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo, would listen to, and help address the plight of Nigerians in the region, as and when this was brought to his notice.

While urging all Nigerians in Ghana to acquire a permit to legalise their stay, the High Commissioner also assured them that his doors were open to receive them, since his prime aim was to see to their welfare.

H. E. Obanikoro later held a closed-door discussion with members of the Nigeria community.

Mr. Woyongo commended Nigeria for the sale of oil to Ghana on favourable terms during Ghana's difficult times.

He said one big area the two countries could co-operate and exchange ideas, was the area of oil exploration and utilisation, acknowledging that Nigeria was clearly a leader in the oil industry in Africa.