Press Statement
Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja expresses deep outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the recent conduct of Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in amplifying a social media post laced with vile ethnic slurs against Ndi Igbo.
On or about the 2nd of September 2025, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa reposted a comment on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which contained deeply offensive and dehumanizing language directed at Ndi Igbo, including references to them as “monkeys,” “children of gorillas,” and “bastards.” Rather than disavow such hate speech, she chose to endorse it with laughing emojis, an act that is not only reprehensible but unbecoming of a senior government official entrusted with representing Nigeria’s image abroad.
Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa’s actions violate the spirit and letter of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of every citizen, prohibits discrimination on ethnic grounds, and mandates public officers to conduct themselves with integrity, impartiality, and respect for diversity. Her conduct undermines national unity, emboldens ethnic hatred, and sends a dangerous message to the international community about the character of Nigeria’s leadership. It is especially disturbing that such behavior emanates from the head of a commission tasked with protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians in the diaspora, many of whom are Ndi Igbo.
Ndi Igbo have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria across every sector, particularly commerce and governance. Therefore, any attempt to dehumanize or vilify Ndi Igbo under the guise of political commentary or social media engagement is condemnable.
We hereby demand an apology from the NIDCOM Chairperson for such insensitivity!
Sir. Chidi Udekwe, ESQ
PRESIDENT
OTU OKA-IWU, ABUJA
