Let’s avoid repeating past history — Nigerian minister

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for calm and urged both Nigeria and Ghana to learn from history to avoid actions that can spark diplomatic or social unrest between the two countries.

She reminded both countries of past episodes of mass deportations and retaliatory actions, cautioning that history tended to repeat itself when lessons were ignored.

“For the record, most of you may not recall the Ghana Must Go protests in Nigeria in 1983. But before that, there was an alien compliance order where Ghanaians also moved Nigerians back.

History always repeats itself when we don’t learn from it,” Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu said at a press conference in Accra last Thursday.

Harmony

She emphasised the importance of maintaining harmony, particularly in the light of recent viral videos and reports suggesting threats against Nigerians in Ghana, including alleged plans to burn shops and forcefully evict some residents.

The minister said the Nigerian government was gravely concerned about the safety of its citizens following those reports.

“We have received numerous calls from Nigerians here and back home. Some shops have been marked, and some people have even received video threats with deadlines. I know at least three or four parents who have asked their children to start returning to Nigeria,” she said.

Assurance

She said her delegation had already met with top Ghanaian officials, including President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

“President Mahama has assured President Tinubu that the lives and property of Nigerians in Ghana are secure, and that there is no threat of mass deportation,” she said.

While expressing gratitude for Ghana’s hospitality and strong bilateral ties, she warned against complacency.

“It only takes one trigger, and you could see bodies on the street. From two people lying dead, it replicates and spreads like wildfire. Let’s not get too comfortable,” she said.

Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu also stressed that Nigerians in Ghana were, by and large, law-abiding and contributed significantly to the local economy.

“Anywhere you go and there are no Nigerians, then there’s a problem,” she said.

She urged Nigerian community and association leaders in Ghana to take full responsibility for guiding and safeguarding their members.

She also conveyed special thanks to traditional leaders, particularly the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for helping to ease tensions in the Ashanti Region.

High commissioner

The acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Moses Ifedayo Adeoye, reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Nigeria and Ghana, saying both countries shared deep cultural, historical, and diplomatic bonds.

“We have nearly three million Nigerians living in Ghana. These are resilient, responsible, and hardworking people who contribute positively to Ghanaian society,” he said.

He praised the Nigerian community in Ghana for their consistent cooperation with the High Commission.

“This is not the time to trade blame or reopen old wounds. It is a time to seek solutions that will ensure peaceful coexistence with our host communities,” he said.