*******Dr. Abike Was Not Wrong: Why Neutrality is Key to Healing NIDO Europe’s Divide
Prof Jude Osakwe
Continental Chairman, NIDO Africa
NIDO Europe once stood as a beacon of excellence and organization within the global Nigerian diaspora community. Its structure, impact, and operational efficiency were frequently held up as a standard, a model that even its counterparts in Africa looked up to. Today, however, a deep-seated division threatens to tear apart the very fabric of this esteemed organization, casting a shadow over its reputation and hindering its potential.
It is against this backdrop of internal strife and fracturing leadership that the Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), made a firm decision before the recent Diaspora Day: NiDCOM would not recognize any of the warring factions in NIDO Europe. Far from being a punitive measure, her stance was a necessary and principled one, a move aimed at fostering genuine reconciliation rather than inadvertently legitimizing an untenable situation.
The Wisdom of Neutrality
Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s decision, often misinterpreted as disengagement, is in fact a profound act of statesmanship. When an organization is so deeply divided that its leadership is contested and its operations compromised, taking sides only entrenches the conflict. Her refusal to recognize either faction is not an act of dismissal but a move designed to:
Force Internal Resolution: By withholding official recognition, NiDCOM effectively communicates that the NIDO Europe house must be put in order from within. It places the onus squarely on the dissenting parties to bridge their differences and present a united front, rather than seeking external validation for their individual claims.
Uphold Integrity: NiDCOM’s mandate is to foster a unified and effective diaspora engagement model. Recognizing a fractured entity would undermine this objective and potentially set a precedent for other NIDO chapters facing internal challenges. Neutrality preserves the integrity of NiDCOM’s position as an impartial arbiter and facilitator.
Prevent Further Damage: Lending support to one side would inevitably alienate the other, deepening the chasm and making true reconciliation even more difficult. Dr. Dabiri-Erewa’s stance ensures that NiDCOM remains a potential mediator and a trusted partner for all Nigerians in Europe, once they resolve their differences.
The Problem of Public Disparagement
The subsequent public outcry and media disparagement directed at Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, or any attempt to counter her actions through public platforms, are not only counterproductive but deeply concerning. Such tactics only serve to further expose the internal disarray of NIDO Europe, erode trust, and damage the collective image of Nigerians abroad.
Going on media to disparage a figure of Dr. Abike’s stature, in this delicate situation, serves no constructive purpose. It distracts from the core issues, alienates potential allies, and transforms what should be an internal process of healing into a public spectacle. This is not the modus operandi of mature organizations, nor is it conducive to resolving complex disputes.
The Imperative for Bridge Building and Sober Reflection
The very premise of the original message is undeniable: instead of fuelling public debates and resorting to attacks, the focus should squarely be on bridge-building and sober reflection. This means:
• Dialogue, Not Diatribe: Engaging in closed-door, frank discussions aimed at understanding grievances, finding common ground, and crafting a sustainable path forward.
• Prioritizing the Collective Good: Shifting focus from individual ambitions or factional interests to the overarching mission of NIDO Europe – to serve the Nigerian community and project a positive image of Nigeria in the diaspora.
• Humility and Compromise: Recognizing that no single faction has a monopoly on truth or righteousness, and that genuine progress requires concessions from all sides.
• Sober Reflection: Taking a step back to assess the long-term implications of this division, the damage it inflicts on the diaspora community, and the potential it squanders. This demands an introspection into what went wrong and a commitment to preventing its recurrence.
The expectation was not a media publication of this sort, certainly not one that escalates the conflict, but a period of introspection and strategic planning. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s position is not an obstacle; it is a catalyst. It is a call to maturity, a challenge to NIDO Europe to rise above petty squabbles and remember its noble origins and purpose.
The future of NIDO Europe, and indeed the broader Nigerian diaspora, hinges on its ability to heal this schism. This healing will not come from public accusations or desperate pleas for external validation. It will come from within, through bridge-building, sober reflection, and a collective determination to restore NIDO Europe to its former glory. Dr. Abike was not wrong; she merely offered the most sensible path forward.