Following a report making rounds that a coalition of 148 civil society organisations under the auspices of Citizen Right Advocate (CRA) called for the Ambassador of Greece to Nigeria, Ioannis Plotas to investigate the atrocities committed at the Consular section of the embassy. Another group known as Justice for Nigerians in Diaspora (JND) has countered the allegations calling it a plan by some irresponsible applicants whose applications were rejected to tarnish the image of the embassy and the consulate section of the embassy.
According to the representatives of the group, Comrade Thompson Collins Ekundayo, he categorically stated that the embassy has never denied genuine applicants visas of any category.
Ekundayo called on some faceless groups that are being used to cause disaffection in the country to desist from tarnishing the country’s image within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
He said:
“The Embassy has always facilitated visas for genuine Nigerians, either applying for business, tourist, student or working visas. There are people who have always expressed the good will of the Greek Ambassador as the most sincere and accommodative Diplomat amongst all his colleagues in Nigeria.
“It is absolutely wrong to confuse rejection or denial for certain people who do not fulfil the prerequisites for visas issuance. However, he equally advised the Ambassador to pay special attention on his lone consular officer, who sometimes overreact as a result of workload, which I’m sure the Ambassador may not be aware of.” He stated.
He also advised applicants to ensure that they fulfill every demand by the embassy to enable them secure their Visas without hiccups nor disappointment.
In a related development, the Head of Mission, International Peace Commission, IPC-Nigeria, Dr Hussaini Coomassie when contacted, has said that the aggrieved parties should shield their swords and follow due process in tackling issues like this, foreign Embassies have their rules too and they can deny you Visas without explanation, its stated clearly that fulfilling all conditions does not guarantee visa issuance, at the same time even where a person obtains visas does not guarantee that person entry into their countries. Take note that all Diplomats of various embassies followed due process in obtaining Nigerian visas in their various countries. While some business men or tourists usually get refusals at our embassies abroad too. He advised that it will not be out of place for Ambassador to please INVESTIGATE the allegations against his head of consul in order to find remedy and avoid future occurenes. Ambassador Plotas is a kind hearted Diplomat who loves Nigeria with passion but the problem is the bad eggs amongst us whose intentions are to go and never to return, sometimes seek for asylum for reasons best known to them. He said the embassy is reputable for issuing visas to well-meaning Nigerians even more than most of the Schengen states.
Dr Coomassie promised to look into the issue diplomatically but insists Nigerians must behave well and be good Ambassadors of their country wherever they may find themselves, he added.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
