In Nigeria’s dynamic public discourse, misleading stories often gain traction and spread rapidly. Recently, there has been a concerted effort to label Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as “anti-Igbo.” This claim, frequently echoed on social media platforms and certain media outlets, falls apart under careful examination. It is built on distortions, selective truths, and outright fabrications rather than solid evidence.
One of the most persistent falsehoods is the allegation that Dabiri-Erewa once referred to Igbos as monkeys. No credible proof has ever emerged to support this. The origin of this claim traces back to a 2020 Twitter exchange where a user named ‘Voice of Igbos’ insulted her with the term ‘mother ape.’ Another user, ‘Akerele,’ responded sarcastically mentioning ‘gorillas’ and ‘monkeys’ in relation to the initial tweet. Dabiri-Erewa chose to respond with laughter emojis instead of engaging with the insult. This brief interaction was later distorted by People’s Gazette into a misleading headline suggesting she had called Igbos “monkeys and gorillas.” Prominent figures such as Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni and Instagram influencer Tunde Ednut further amplified this false narrative without verifying its authenticity. Such a leap in logic is both baseless and malicious.
A Legacy of Unbiased Service
Setting aside social media controversies and focusing on her tangible contributions reveals a different story. Dabiri-Erewa’s career is marked by unwavering support for Nigerians from all ethnic backgrounds. Here are some notable instances:
Sudan Evacuation (2023): Amidst the outbreak of civil war, NiDCOM, under her leadership, collaborated with government agencies to safely evacuate over 2,700 Nigerians, predominantly students, from Sudan. This large-scale operation was inclusive, covering all regions and was recognized as one of Africa’s most significant evacuations (Al Jazeera, May 2023).
Ghana Traders Incident (2019): When Nigerian traders, many of whom were Igbo, faced harassment and business closures in Ghana, Dabiri-Erewa confronted Ghanaian officials and rallied support to protect their interests (BBC News, Dec. 2019).
South Africa Xenophobic Attacks (2019): During violent xenophobic outbreaks targeting Nigerians, she spearheaded efforts to evacuate victims and secure compensation. CNN highlighted NiDCOM’s critical role in organizing relief and repatriation (CNN, Sept. 2019).
Ukraine Conflict (2022): As the war displaced thousands of Nigerian students, Dabiri-Erewa coordinated humanitarian assistance and ensured safe passage, preventing many from being stranded at European borders (The Guardian Nigeria, Feb. 2022).
Libya Crisis (2018): Under her stewardship, NiDCOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs orchestrated the rescue of thousands of Nigerians detained in Libyan centers, many victims of trafficking and abuse, reuniting families and restoring dignity.
Central African Republic (2023): She managed the complex evacuation of 12 Nigerian miners trapped in conflict zones, overcoming significant diplomatic and logistical challenges to bring them home safely.
Bosnia-Herzegovina Incident (2019): When two Nigerian students from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), were mistakenly detained as illegal immigrants, NiDCOM intervened with European authorities to secure their release, averting a potential diplomatic crisis.
Advocacy in Indonesia (2008-Present): Dabiri-Erewa has been a steadfast advocate for Nigerians facing capital punishment abroad. As part of a parliamentary delegation led by Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe, she visited Indonesia to appeal for clemency for 21 Nigerians on death row, most from a single state. Her ongoing efforts as NiDCOM chair emphasize that justice and compassion transcend ethnic divisions.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council acknowledged her efforts after the Ghana incident, stating, “While we may differ on government policies, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa has consistently stood up for Igbos.”
To label such a distinguished record as “anti-Igbo” is to disregard truth and fairness. Her leadership has elevated diaspora engagement to unprecedented heights, demonstrating that nation-building through the diaspora is an inclusive endeavor.
Voices from the Diaspora
Those collaborating closely with Dabiri-Erewa attest to her impartial dedication. Professor Jude Osakwe, Continental Chairman of NIDO Africa, cautioned against ethnic scapegoating and praised her prompt assistance during rescue operations: “She has always been present whenever victims needed help.”
Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of NIDO Europe and a proud Igbo leader, affectionately calls her “Mama Diaspora,” a title earned through her unwavering commitment beyond ethnic and religious lines.
Beyond official endorsements, many Nigerians recognize her discreet acts of kindness. For instance, in Imo State, she has personally funded scholarships for triplets from secondary school through postgraduate studies-an act motivated purely by compassion, not political or ethnic considerations.
Public figures deserve scrutiny, a cornerstone of democracy and responsible journalism. However, such examination must be grounded in facts rather than weaponized rumors. Reducing decades of service in journalism, governance, and diaspora advocacy to a simplistic ethnic stereotype insults both the individual and the public.
Truth is paramount; opinions are free. The facts are unmistakable: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has stood firmly with Nigerians of all backgrounds during crises-from xenophobic violence in South Africa to the turmoil in Ukraine-affirming that every Nigerian life holds equal value.
The attempt to brand Dabiri-Erewa as “anti-Igbo” is not only unjust but also absurd. Her enduring legacy of service speaks volumes beyond baseless slander, and history will duly recognize her contributions.
