May 08, (THEWILL) – As the 2023 general election is fast approaching, concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora can be said to be yearning for opportunity to participate in the electoral processes in the country, while calling for reintroduction of Diaspora Voting Rights Bill.
Among these concerned Nigerians is a United States-based, Imo-born Philanthropist, High Chief Charles Ugochukwu Eke.
In an interview with Journalists recently, the Ngor-Okpala-born Computer Engineer, who was the first African born elected Citywide Councilman in the Plainfield, United States, stressed the need for Nigerians living Overseas to be given a sense of belonging in the forthcoming polls.
He says that Diaspora Voting Rights Bill is on the minds of most Nigerians living overseas, noting it is a bill long overdue, as they eagerly wait for the opportunity to participate in the 2023 elections.
“Residents here in the US would continue to agitate for the rights that would enable us to register and vote in the Nigerian elections, particularly in the gubernatorial and presidential contests.
High Chief Charles Eke pleaded that they are not asking too much from their beloved country of origin, saying they are only calling to exercise their franchise as bonafide Nigerians.
He revealed that they remitted over Twenty Five Billion US Dollars ($25b) to Nigeria, pointing out that Diaspora Voting Bill should have been passed.
Chief Eke further explained that they are not only Nigerian citizen abroad because of the money they remit, but by virtue of their citizenship.
“I am calling on all Diasporans to contact their representatives and urge them to reintroduce and pass the Diaspora Voting Bill, we must lobby our Senators. We must come together as Diasporans and advocate the passage of this bill.
“If we, Diasporans cannot vote now, then when can we vote?” Eke asked.
