Experts Advocates for Nigerians in Diaspora’s Votes

Faoziyah Oderinlo & Oluwatosin Adeoye
The Institute of African Studies (IAS), University of Ibadan chapter, in collaboration with The Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh held a roundtable discussion on the eligibility of Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in national Elections.
The event which was held at the UI’s Lady Bank-Anthony Hall was attended by prominent personalities from all walks of life.
It started with Dr. Molatokunbo Olutayo’s opening remark. She talked about the significance of the discussion, saying that it is to contribute to nation building and other emerging issues.
“In the past few years I have heard about the migration of Nigerians escaping from the imperfect system and structures which continues to constrain the youth,” she said.
The Chairman/CEO for Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, ably represented by Hon. Abdulrahman Terab explained that efforts have been made severally by the Commission but the house keeps flagging down the initiation of the motion in the electoral act, noting that there is noticeable increase in the number of votes at the house from about 10% to about 50% in the last house votes but the green lights still needs more lobbying and persistency.
While speaking, Dr Kudus Adebayo, one of the invited guests explained that Lack of quality data base and knowledge base about the Nigerian diaspora contribute to the challenges we are facing. He stressed the fact that even though diaspora voting are allowed by the Nigerian committee on diaspora affairs they are still not allowed to exercise their franchise.
Another guest, Prof. Aituaje Pogoson during her address said “We seem to rely on the remittances of the diaspora without wanting to hear their voices when it comes to electoral voting, and this makes me to ask why? Is it because the political class is afraid or something?” The need to engender constitutional review and appreciate the importance of diaspora voting. Those agitating for diaspora voting has to do more,” she maintained.
Dr.Gbenga Afolayan emphasized on the love Nigerians in the Australia have for the country. He said: “They see themselves as citizens, they are hardworking, resourceful and are ready to give back to their country. Which aligned with Dr. Pius Fasinu position when he said the people in diaspora never leave completely, they have investments in the country.
Abdulrahman Terab stressed that we shouldn’t relent on emphasizing the allowance of voting in the diaspora.
Some of the other personalities in attendance includes Dr. Olutayo; Hon. Debo Ogundoyin (Speaker, Oyo state house of Assembly); Mrs Funmi Arulogun, Senior Special Assistant (Diaspora), Oyo State; Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose (DVC, research, Innovation and strategic partnership, University Of Ibadan); Dr. Sola Olorunyomi (Institute Of African studies); Prof. Aituaje Pogoson. (HOD, Political science, University Of Ibadan); Dr Pius Fasinu, University Of Alabama at Birmingham, USA), Dr. Gbenga Afolayan (James Cook University, Australia).