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By Sunday Ani
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), has accused the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri of trying to instigate crisis between both countries.
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkey to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, took exception to Dabiri’s comment that the TRNC was not safe for Nigerians as killings took place on a daily basis, and that Nigerians should think twice before going to Northern Cyprus, describing the claims as exaggerated and unfounded.
He said Dabiri’s ‘impetuous’ remark could damage the existing strong educational ties between Nigeria and the TRNC, where thousands of Nigerians are studying as the largest group of foreign students.
The government of TRNC said it does not dispute that some unfortunate criminal incidents have taken place but insisted that the occurrence of such incidents was not a daily routine as Dabiri stated, even as he said all the cases were taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by the TRNC authorities.
“I have read the recent statement by Ms. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), warning Nigerian citizens against travelling to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). I have to express our reservations about the manner in which the allegations are framed, as they are offhandedly publicised without any official lines of communication or without any field visits by the NIDCOM officials to the TRNC.
“It is with great dismay that we continue to listen to exaggerated and unfounded claims of Ms. Dabiri-Erewa, whose statements could portend the emergence of tensions between the peoples of Nigeria and the TRNC, contrary to the NIDCOM’s official mandate of fostering a greater empathy and understanding between Nigerians and the rest of the world.
“Although neither myself, nor my country is clearly the addressee of this statement, one can hardly remain silent on its content, as her impetuous remark could damage the existing strong educational ties between Nigeria and the TRNC, where around thousands of Nigerian students are studying, as the largest group of foreign students.
“There are currently 50,561 international students from 145 countries and various teaching staff from 65 different countries, in the TRNC. Until now, I have come across with no other official statement, aside from Ms. Dabiri-Erewa’s, criticising the TRNC on such grounds and portraying the life in the TRNC as a lawless country, although Northern Cyprus is one of the most peaceful touristic spots attracting visitors from all over the world.
