Nigerians abroad financing secessionists, spreading fake news: Lai Mohammed

Minister Lai Mohammed of Information and Communication Ministry has accused Nigerians abroad of financing secession.

Mr Mohammed made the accusation on Tuesday at a meeting with the members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), UK Chapter as part of the activities marking the initiative tagged ‘A Week in and for Nigeria.’

The government propagandist condemned the activities of Nigerians in diaspora who identify with secessionist groups that are campaigning around the world for the peaceful dissolution of the country.

The minister said he was worried and disappointed that most people abroad rely on fake news channels to get information about the country.

“It is in recognition of the relevance of Nigerians in diaspora that the secessionist groups that are campaigning around the world for their causes have identified and are effectively using some of them (Nigerians in diaspora) to propagate their fake narratives about the country, in addition to relying on their financial contributions to fund their nefarious activities. This is disheartening,” Mr Mohammed said.

“Instead of contributing their own quota to these efforts, all you hear from a section of Nigerians in diaspora and their allies back home are fake narratives and untrue allegations of religious persecution, political marginalisation, human rights abuses, etc. These are baseless and false.

“As an organised and well-connected group, I implore NIDO to leverage its contacts in government circles, parliamentary groups and global think tanks in world capitals to help change the narrative and sweep the carpet off the feet of secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who are bent on pushing false narratives to portray Nigeria in bad light.

“I have no doubt that you will take this call seriously and do everything in your power to change the narrative for the better,” the minister added.