The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Senator Bassey Aniekan, has condemned recent calls by some Ghanaian protestors demanding the deportation of Nigerians from Ghana.
The demonstrators, citing alleged misconduct by some Nigerian residents, claimed their behavior conflicts with Ghanaian societal norms and called for mass repatriation.
Responding to the development, Senator Aniekan, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East, described the sweeping generalizations as misguided, dangerous, and unacceptable.
“Nigerians are hardworking and law-abiding citizens. They are not criminals as some would have the world believe. While a few individuals may break the law, it is unjust to stigmatize an entire population,” he stated.
He emphasized the historical and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Ghana and urged both nations to maintain peace and unity in line with ECOWAS regional integration goals.
“Ghana and Nigeria are brothers. Dialogue, not division, must guide our interactions. We must strengthen the bonds that unite us,” Aniekan said.
He also appealed to Nigerians living in Ghana to remain calm and avoid any form of provocation or retaliation.
Aniekan further revealed that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is already engaging Ghanaian authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the matter is handled responsibly and peacefully.
