NIGERIA DIASPORA VOTING: A MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION

The Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council, NDVC, will like to wish all members of the National Assembly a wonderful time with their constituents as they enjoy their recess expected to be over on September 14, 2021. The Council will like to appreciate the two chambers, Red and Green chambers, for their support on the Nigeria Diaspora Voting (DV) Bill which was a major cardinal point of discussion in its Constitutional Review exercise shortly before it went on recess. It is our sincere prayer that they have a safe return to the hallowed chambers to continue to give the country their best.

The Council wishes to appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari who has left no one in doubt as per his unflinching support for Diaspora voting. The singular fact that Mr President has thrown his weight behind the Diaspora voting bill is another pointer to the all-inclusive government he is running.

The Council is equally indebted in gratitude to the country’s Vice President, a legal luminary and Professor of constitutional law, Prof. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, SAN for his executive support for the DV Bill. We are convinced of the duo’s leadership to deliver an enduring legacy for the country.

It will amount to ingratitude if the leadership of the 9th National Assembly with the two competent and progressive arrowheads are not appreciated. The two leaders of the National Assembly, Senate President, Senator Dr Ahmed Lawan and Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila have both supported the Diaspora Voting advocacy, thrown their weight behind the bill and ensured that the DV bill was part of the Joint Constitutional Review Committee for consideration. The Council is thankfully grateful to the leadership of the two chambers.

If there is anyone that deserves all the accolades, it is no other person than the Sponsor of the Nigeria Diaspora Voting Bill, Hon. (Mrs) Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, House Committee Chairperson on Diaspora and Electoral Matters. Hon. (Mrs) Akande-Sadipe worked relentlessly with her ever untiring team to see that the Bill saw the light of the day. The Council cannot thank her enough for the many travels she embarked on during the zonal public hearings, risking her life, just in a bid to see to it that the Diaspora Voting Bill was a success. Your support and that of your ever-dynamic team will go down in historic timelines with an indelible mark.

The Council will not forget to thank the various stakeholders who will either champion the implementation of the Bill when finally passed and assented to or those who have equally been in the constant advocacy for the materialisation of the DV Bill. We thank the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the technical know-how support and willingness to help thus far; the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the able leadership of Hon. (Mrs) Abike Dabiri-Erewa; the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) and other Diaspora groups and persons for their unflinching support and commitment.

The Council will like to reiterate its commitment to keep the momentum and tempo running to see to it that Diaspora Voting indeed sees the light of the day. It is our staunch credo that to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail and for that reason, the advocacy continues as soon as the National Assembly recess is over.

On Diaspora voting, we stand!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Tolu Oluwatuyi Esq.
Secretary,
Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council (NDVC)