The Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa has condemned the action of a Nigerian who allegedly destroyed cars numbering over seven at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Dabiri-Erewa described the attitude of a 32-year old Nigerian, Jeffrey Apkovweta Ewohime as “despicable and condemnable.”
In a statement signed by her media aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, she said such an attitude was “unpatriotic, and an unconscionable act of indiscipline.”
A Nigerian, Mr. Ewohime Apkovweta 32, went to the Nigeria Embassy in London today, for some reasons, his passport wasn’t ready, he then caused thousands of pounds worth of damages to diplomatic cars!
This is not what we represent.
As a people, we should be good ambassadors of 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/O7eKJ0VCoeNigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) June 17, 2019
Dabiri-Erewa said she received a report that Emohime went to the Nigeria Embassy in London on Monday.
“He had approached the Embassy to collect his passport which expired since November 2017 at about 2:00 p.m and was told the collection of passports closes at 1:00 pm.
“He then insisted on collecting his passport and was told to bring his collection slip which he could not produce.
“According to reports from the Embassy, it would, of course, be wrong to hand over his passport to him, without his collection slip.
“He thereafter left agitated and returned from a nearby hotel to destroy about seven cars, five belonging to the mission, and two to visitors who parked nearby.
“His attempt to destroy the High Commissioner’s car failed as it is bulletproof. I am told that he has been arrested by the police. He destroyed seven brand new cars, except the Ambassador’s car which is bulletproof.
“This is a despicable act, which must be condemned by all. Of course, the law must take its course,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa, therefore, advised Nigerians abroad to exercise restraint and be good ambassadors of Nigeria at all times in all circumstances.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Ewohimes action, describing it as despicable and unwarranted.
“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to media reports on the alleged destruction of property at the Nigerian High Commission in London, the United Kingdom by a Nigerian citizen and views the action as despicable, unwarranted and condemnable.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Mr Ewohime’s behaviour and urges all Nigerians abroad to exercise restraint and be of good behaviour on the grounds of our Missions.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians of the commitment of our Missions to providing services efficiently to our citizens,” the acting Spokesperson of the Ministry, Friday Akpan, said.