President Buhari says the 77 Nigerians recently arrested by
the US Federal Bureau of Intelligence FBI, for online scam, do not represent
the values of majority of Nigerians.
The President broke his silence on the arrest of the
Nigerians when he met with leaders of the Nigerian Community living in Japan on
the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African
Development (TICAD7).
“Let me also say that there are few Nigerians in the
Diaspora that are giving us a bad name by engaging in criminal activities.
These Nigerians are a minority, they do not represent the values of our
country, and I plead with them to change their ways.
We will not condone any crime whether at home or abroad, and
we will also not allow these Nigerians define us as a people with reputation
for criminality.” he said
Urging Nigerians in Japan to be good ambassadors of their
fatherland, President Buhari said
“I am personally very happy that there are millions of
Nigerians all over the world, like you here, who are truly making us proud''.
Describing majority of the over 17 million Nigerians in
Diaspora as the face of Nigeria globally and our ambassadors for good, the
President noted that many of our Diasporans, like your good selves here today,
have excelled in various fields of endeavor, both professionally and
individually.
“You have also made significant and overwhelmingly positive
contributions to your Nigerian and international host communities. You have
continually been a positive bridge between Nigeria and the world. It is not an
easy feat and we commend you, salute your courage and efforts.
Japan is at the cutting edge of technology and efficiency,
two very important attributes that can play a role in Nigeria and improve our
capacity for development,” President Buhari urged members of his audience to
continue to contribute their quota by helping to develop their host country and
Nigeria as well, adding: “I look forward to your inborn gift, ability, and
capacity in taking up this challenge.”
Commending many of them who are already “positively
impacting the Nigerian economy through financial home remittances, promoting
international trade in Nigerian commodities, our music, culture, tourism,
sports, and education, while also helping to establish industries in Nigeria,”
the President urged them “to encourage legitimate Japanese entrepreneurs to
come and invest in Nigeria.”
According to him
“We are continually working to create the necessary enabling
environment for investors to thrive, through improvements in our Ease of Doing
Business practices, providing security, diversification of the economy,
infrastructure and fighting corruption. We have put in place the Economic
Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) to put the country on a path of sustained
recovery and growth.”
Explaining the rationale for his regular meetings with
Nigerians abroad and the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission,
President Buhari said:
“As you are aware, I have regularly held town hall meetings
with Nigerians in the Diaspora on all my foreign engagements be they in Europe,
Asia, America and Africa.
“At these fora, I have always, appealed to our citizens to
be our good ambassadors, observe the laws of your host countries, excel in
whatever you do legitimately, and also remember us at home (Nigeria). I have
established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission specifically to engage with
you, signifying a coordinated attempt by our administration to increase the
involvement of our Diaspora in our national development.
“Collectively, your resources, skills, and talents will be a
positive force for our country which can help accelerate our national growth
and development.”
