News Editor
By David Odama
Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Asiwaju Support Organisation (ASO) in Texas, USA, have condemned in strong terms a recent article by one Steve Osuji’s, a journalist calling for Abike Dabir-Erewa’s Resignation
In a statement signed by Engr. Tayo Ogunjimi, the group dismissed Osuji’s remarks as divisive and misleading, warning that such narratives could fuel unnecessary ethnic tension.
The group strongly backed the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, describing her as a detribalised Nigerian who has consistently demonstrated fairness, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
Fondly called “Mama Diaspora” and “Mother Teresa” for her humanitarian efforts, Dabiri-Erewa was praised for her pioneering role in promoting diaspora affairs and placing Nigeria on the global stage.
The statement highlighted Dabiri-Erewa’s sterling career as a broadcaster-turned-parliamentarian, recalling her co-sponsorship of landmark bills such as the Freedom of Information Bill, the Violence Against Persons Bill, the Disability Integration Bill, and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission Bil which established NiDCOM.
Since assuming leadership at NiDCOM, she has initiated innovative programmes to harness the potential of Nigerians abroad and consistently placed diaspora issues on the front burner.
The APC and ASO coordinators also addressed allegations that Dabiri-Erewa once described Igbos as “monkeys and baboons,” describing the claim as a false narrative rooted in social media mischief.
According to the statement, the incident was a case of deliberate misinformation: “An anonymous X handle had, for months, hurled vile insults at Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa, including calling her ‘Mother Ape.’ Another user mocked that account with a gorilla analogy. Dabiri-Erewa responded with emojis directed at the user who insulted her, not at any ethnic group. Mischief makers then twisted it into an anti-Igbo slur.”
The statement also questioned the credibility of Steve Osuji, recalling that the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) suspended him in July 2025 for one year over a breach of ethics at its Biennial National Convention. The Guild described his conduct as unprofessional and a compromise of journalistic integrity.
The group cited several instances where Dabiri-Erewa stood firmly for Nigerians of Igbo origin, including interventions in Ghana when Igbo traders were harassed, evacuation of South East students during the Sudan crisis, and the rescue of trafficked girls—163 of whom were from the South East—from Ghana.
“It is ironic for a journalist suspended by his own peers for unethical practice to now mount the pulpit to lecture others about honour,” the group said.
Accountability in public discourse is vital, but it must rest on truth. Abike Dabiri-Erewa owes no one a resignation over baseless accusations. What she deserves is recognition for her consistency in protecting Nigerians Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, or otherwise wherever they may be in the world,” the statement concluded
The coordinators urged the public to disregard Osuji’s remarks, stressing that Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s decades of service—as a trailblazing broadcaster, respected lawmaker, and pioneer NiDCOM chair—stand as evidence of her integrity and detribalised nature.
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