Nigerians everywhere are more than happy to witness and participate in the 55th independence anniversary. Most importantly the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari. His speeches at the United Nations and independence event, coupled with the fact that he met the September promise to name ministers are indomitable.

As such, Diaspora Nigerians are very pleased with the spectacular development since assumption of office, and looking out for Diaspora Technocrats in the final ministerial list expected next week Tuesday. By so doing, APC will not only be complimenting Diaspora Nigerians contributions in the poll, but will grab Diasporas' collective and entire commitment, by returning All Progressives Party (APC) to power in 2019.

With the advent of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and Personal Verification Card Reader successes in banking and elections respectively, whatever is required for Diaspora Nigerians to commence voting by 2019 is very significant, except if the government is not willing.

Today, Diaspora Nigerians understand that the People Democratic Party (PDP) used their services and deliberately refused to accept Diaspora voting in their 16 year rulership period, because it's not a resource to loot. Reason why the likes of former senate president, Sen. David Mark" came to New York, said "Diaspora Nigerians are not organized and not ready to vote". To the best of our knowledge and unknown to us, if any of their allies ever challenged them and followed through, again Diaspora Nigerians demand immediate apologies.

Very sad to note, we stand to be used at all times, therefore unsure if President Buhari's administration within his 4 years of leadership, if it will fetch us voting right. Regrettably to ask, what did Diaspora Nigerians bargained with All Progressives Party (APC), it won't be a bad idea to ask, Diaspora Anchorman -  Prof Isa Odidi Director-General, Buhari Diaspora Campaign Support Group Centre is in the best position, to furnish the party what Diaspora Nigerians did for them.  Therefore, we need to start seeing signs and political will henceforth, such as setting up Diaspora Voting Rights structures, not limited to committees with time frames before the end of 2015.  We think, asking for this is insignificant compared to billions of dollars remitted home annually. A chance to bargain!

Asia and other countries not up to Nigeria used Diaspora to become economically viable, became a force a force stakeholder reckons.   We expect President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly and Independent Electoral Commission to reciprocate in a timely manner; by granting the Diaspora Voting Right by 2019. This will avail Diaspora Nigerians full confidence in All Progressives Party.

Remarkably, Nigeria was granted independence in 1960 as a result of request and need. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all Nigerians in Diaspora, regardless of ethnicity, to continue to mobilize to support locally (at country of residence) and internationally by contacting legislators in their respective communities for Voting Right by 2019. Besides, track down Diaspora Nigeria serving in this administration and expected to serve for support.  Send letters to stakeholders, not limited to the Presidency, National Assembly, INEC, lobbyist, advocates, etc.  to keep this demand alive.

Remember, it's a collective responsibility, again, when will Diaspora Nigerians Celebrate its 1st Voting Anniversary!

Francis John

APC USA International Secretariat

+1.816.359.8527

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