Nigerian citizens associations to expose criminals-Envoy

Ho, Oct. 15, GNA- The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana on Saturday said that it would liaise with its citizen's associations to expose Nigerians indulged in criminal activities in Ghana.

Mr Salihu Umaru Ahmed, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana said this when inaugurating the All Nigerian Community, Volta Region branch in Ho.

He said the High Commission's mood was a reflection of the current anti-corruption drive in Nigeria, which had sent a number of dignitaries scuttling for cover.

"It is a war against criminality and we shall collaborate with the All Nigerian associations everywhere to protect the image of Nigeria," Mr Ahmed declared.

Mr Ahmed, who said he was barely three months old in Ghana, regretted that, often, victims of the 419 cases, for which Nigerians were ostensibly noted for, were left to go free. For him, they "the victims" by their disposition to reap from unorthodox business deals could be people of questionable characters and liable to criminal investigation.

Mr Ahmed told the nine-member executive to sanction any Nigerian who was not a member of the association and also facilitate the arrest of Nigerian criminals operating in Ghana.

He said the High Commission was willing to help investors and business partners check the track records of Nigerian individuals and companies they wanted to do business with.

Mr Ahmed expressed joy at the strengthening brotherly relations between Ghana and Nigeria as shown by the increasing number of Nigerian banks and other business incorporating in Ghana and collaboration between the two nations in sub-regional, African and international affairs.

Rev. Dr, Okechy Gilbert, President of the All Nigerian Community, Volta Region said the Nigerian community in Ghana should not be held responsible for the action of anybody who was not a member. He said the association would be extended to all districts of the region.

Rev Rufus Igbogbo, General-Secretary said no Nigerian permanently resident in Ghana could approach the High Commission for any transactions without recourse to the association. He explained that this was to prevent people from falsely declaring themselves as Nigerians.

Mr Mawutor Goh, Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) said government's aspiration was for everybody, regardless of his nationality to feel secured in Ghana.