Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has urged Nigerians living abroad to refrain from sponsoring secessionist groups in the country.
The minister disclosed this while receiving a delegation of Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), UK chapter on Tuesday.
He said it is disheartening that secessionist groups campaigning around the world for their causes were using some members of NIDO to propagate fake narratives about the country.
“It is alarming and disappointing that some Nigerians in Diaspora still rely on platforms that peddle fake news and misinformation about Nigeria,” Mohammed said.
“I, therefore, want to use this opportunity to appeal to NIDO to seize the initiative from those who are bent on painting Nigeria bad in the
comity of nations.
“As an organised and well-connected group, I implore NIDO to leverage
its contacts in government circles, parliamentary groups and global
think tanks in world capitals to help change the narrative.
“I also urge them to sweep the carpet off the feet of secessionist
groups, insurgents and anarchists who are bent on pushing false
narratives to portray Nigeria in a bad light.
“I have no doubt that you will take this call seriously and do
everything in your power to change the narrative for the better.”
He said the government acknowledged the challenges facing the country,
especially in the area of insecurity, and is “earnestly” tackling
them.
