‘Stolen wealth’ being brought to Ireland for ‘safe keeping’ was one of the main subjects of discussion at a recent meeting of Ireland’s Nigerians in Dublin, Metro Éireann has learned.
Addressing guests at the EGM of the Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation Eur-ope’s (Nidoe) Irish branch, which took place at the Nigerian Embassy in south Dublin, Ugo Achugbu of the Anambra State Association in Ireland said he was extremely concerned at the large scale of “corruption” in the country, and wondered what efforts were being made making to address the problem.
According to the minutes of the meeting as seen by Metro Éireann: “Achugbu said his association will propose a resolution to actively encourage Irish Government and financial institutions in the State to report and/or expose attempts at safe keeping ill-gotten wealth from Nigerians in Ireland.”
A source at the meeting told Metro Éireann that Achugbu’s proposal received much support from participants, with many eager to participate in any campaign that may be organised.
The minutes also highlighted the dismay of many Nigerians regarding the attitudes and “stupendous display of wealth” of some Nigerian government officials in Ireland.
James Onwu of Old Aguata Union Ireland is on record as encouraging Nidoe to begin a public enlightenment campaign to discourage governments and financial institutions from accepting deposits of “ill-gotten wealth” from Africa.
The chairman of Nidoe Ireland – solicitor Waheed Mudah – welcomed this call, adding that such proceeds could be invested back in Nigeria to create “employment for a multitude of Nigerians”.
Earlier in his keynote address, Mudah urged Nigerians in Ireland not to see the work of putting Nigeria right as somebody else’s job.
“Let us come together for the benefit of our dear country Nigeria,” he said.
