Nigeria’s Visa Free Policy for African Immigrants: A Threat, Sabotage to National Security and Economy

An Igbo Organization, the Igbo National Council (INC), has frowned at announcement of Visa Free Policy for African Immigrants by President Buhari led administration describing the development as regrettable and threat to the nation’s security and economy.

The INC disclosed this in a press release signed by the President, Mr. Chilos Godsent and Secretary General, Mr. Zulu Ofoelue shortly after the announcement.

According to the Council, “it has taken deep study of the socioeconomic and security implications of such policy on Nigeria and its citizens especially with the recent increase in nefarious activities of local and international terrorists organizations in Nigeria and Africa at large.”

The council added that it is regrettable that this policy is coming when many African Head of States are coming together to unite for fight against terrorism, prevention of invasion of their countries by this international terrorist organizations, protection of their citizens and strengthen the security and economy of their country.”

“You will notice that in the recent times, local bandits and terrorists groups like Boko Haram and their likes has pledged their loyalty to ISIS etc in a bid to acquire more international support from ISIS and also to strengthen their capacity for armed combats geared towards merciless killings and invasion of Ethnic Nationalities in Countries of their choice.”

The renowned Igbo socio-cultural group stressed that “since that regrettable announcement of Visa Free Policy by the Nigeria government, we have noticed huge influx of foreign Fulani Herdsmen in some States in Eastern Nigeria and Middle Belt region. Especially Benue, Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively. Sources also had it that from January 2020 onwards there will be more shipment of foreign Fulani Herdsmen to many states in Southern Nigeria. This can only prevented if the various state governments and their people rise up against the menace.”

On the foregoing, INC warns that the dangers of the development are enormous and needs to be urgently tackled decisively.

“This illegal migration poses on the socio-economic and security live of Nigeria.”

In view of the above, Igbo National Council call on the 36 State Governors to join the calls to persuade President Buhari to reverse the Visa Free Policy for African Immigrants.

“We are also calling on the various State Houses of Assemblies in Eastern Nigeria to start passing anti-grazing laws as a legal framework to protect our indigenous lands against any form of criminal acquisition through shadow powers and their allies.”

INC stressed that it will not take it lightly with any group or groups purported to be warming up or planning to invade any part of the Eastern Nigeria in a bid to confiscate lands, decimate the people’s cultural heritage and kill the people.

“INC calls on President Mohammadu Buhari to rise up in defense of the Nigeria Constitution by reversing this contentious Visa Free Policy for African Immigrants as the policy is capable of causing more economic damages and treat to the security of Nigerians.”

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