by Chi Ibe
There is fear that the ‘Nigerian factor’ might have got a visa and fled the country attacking Nigeria embassies around the globe as reports of unpaid salaries and lingering electricity bills come to light.
According to reports, scarcity of funds has hit Nigerian Missions abroad with a number of embassies unable to meet these basic responsibilities including paying telephone bills with scandalous allegations that salaries have not been paid since October 2012 due to non-remittance from Abuja.
There have been very strong complaints recently from Nigerian embassies especially in Europe and Asia. And reports claim some of the diplomats might have even taken out of personal savings or using their credit cards survive.
Apparently Ireland, Canada, Belgium, Germany, United States, Switzerland and Japan experienced the condition the worst added with the high cost of living in their host countries.
Defending the claims, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru said it was not true that payments have not been made since October 2012.
“As you are aware, the ministry is part of government and our budget is tied to the budget of the federation.
“The 2013 budget is still being processed. As we speak, we have received assurances from the Minister of Finance that everything is being done to ensure that our missions are properly funded.
“It is not true that we have not remitted funds since October, it is absolutely not true.
“I have constantly advised our officers to ensure the prudent management of the little resources available so that when there is a little delay they can sustain basic services,” he said.
But the Punch reports further:
The Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, where former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe holds sway, was so broke in October last year that it could not meet its financial obligations for two months.
It was learnt that the situation was so critical that Maduekwe paid a visit to Abuja, where he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru.
A source at the Nigerian High Commission, said on the condition of anonymity that it was so embarrassing that staff, including non- Nigerians working with the embassy, have begun to complain openly.
The situation in Ottawa is not different from what obtains in several other Nigerian Missions including Geneva, Switzerland.
Actually, those officers at the Nigeria Embassies abroad,do not suppose to desever payment as 99% ofthem do not do their work according to the directive of the foreign Ministry and they also maltreat their own citizens by allowing their host countries to treat their citizens like shit.
I wish I will be granted the opportunity to meet the Nigerian govt in Abuja,I will explain to them that their nationals working in their respective missions abroad do not deserve payment,In Malaysia for an eample where I visited few months ago, those officers there are nothing to talk about, the worst among them in Nigerian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia is Mr Adebayo Idowu , who has turn himself money making with bribe. He work together with Malaysians to detain its own national, which is terribly evil. Please the Nigerian Govt those officers neesds to be send back to be train before returning or being send out to hold such post.
Thants all I have to say now.