The Diaspora Foreign Investors Network has issued a scathing rebuke of comments made by Mr. Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his appearance on Arise News where he weighed in on the controversial Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project.
In a press statement signed by Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, spokesman for Nigerians in Diaspora, the group condemned Sowunmi’s remarks as “false, misleading, and reckless,” accusing him of parroting ruling party narratives while ignoring the plight of affected citizens and investors.
“It is both shocking and disappointing that a self-acclaimed PDP Chieftain would go on national television to make false and misleading statements on a matter he clearly has no factual understanding of,” the statement read.
The diaspora group particularly took issue with Sowunmi’s apparent dismissal of the concerns raised by foreign investors and Nigerian citizens whose properties and businesses have been impacted by the ongoing road construction. The statement described his stance as “an appalling disregard for justice” and accused him of “political convenience” and chasing “stomach infrastructure.”
The Arise TV appearance, aired on October 6, saw Sowunmi defending aspects of the Federal Government’s approach to the project — a position the Diaspora group finds disturbing, especially coming from someone aligned with the opposition party.
“It is unheard of in any responsible democracy for a member of an opposition party to publicly defend and market the policies of a ruling party against his own members and citizens seeking redress,” Joseph said.
The group praised Arise TV anchors Dr. Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni, and Ayo Mairo-Ese for challenging Sowunmi’s statements during the segment, calling the pushback “commendable.”
Sowunmi also faced criticism for suggesting that a woman—already involved in legal action against the government—should be charged again, a comment the statement labelled “ignorant of the law” and “vindictive.”
The Diaspora Foreign Investors Network, which represents Nigerian investors abroad and foreign partners with financial stakes in Nigeria, said it will not allow political misinformation to undermine the sacrifices and patriotism of diaspora Nigerians who have committed resources to national development.
“The Nigerians in Diaspora and foreign investors you carelessly speak about have invested their hard-earned resources in faith and patriotism. They deserve truth, justice, and respect — not political propaganda,” the statement concluded.
The group advised Sowunmi to either formally join the ruling APC if he wishes to promote its policies or refrain from commenting on matters relating to diaspora investments, which he is “not equipped with the facts” to discuss.
