By Emmanuel Daudu
Civil Society in Nigeria has stood up to its multifaceted responsibilities as It represents organizations, groups, and individuals that exist outside of the government and the private sector, working for the betterment of society.
Its responsibilities which include, Advocacy and Watchdog, Social Services Provision, Promoting Democracy and Human Rights, Policy Development and Research, Community Mobilization and Social Change, Capacity Building and Training amongst many others has geared the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) to investigate and interface with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on behalf of a Nigerian business man after which retracted the 48-hour ultimatum it previously issued to the Chinese Government. The ultimatum was made in response to allegations of visa denial and a conspiracy against Mr Kingsley Okpala, the CEO of New Age Mobile Concepts Limited.
Earlier, the NCSCN had claimed that Mr Okpala was denied a visa by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria without any valid reason. They alleged that this act was part of a broader conspiracy to hinder his business activities in China.
The issue of visa denials and alleged conspiracies against foreign businessmen is a serious concern, as it can impact bilateral relations between countries. In this case, the NCSCN’s withdrawal of the ultimatum suggests that they have obtained new information or reassurances from the Chinese Government regarding the visa denial and alleged conspiracy.
It is important for both governments to transparently address such claims and ensure that the visa application process is fair and unbiased. Additionally, it would be beneficial to establish open channels of communication to address any concerns or grievances raised by foreign businessmen.
Earlier, the NCSCN had on December 28, 2023, held a world press conference urging the Chinese government to look into an alleged visa denial and business conspiracy against a young Nigerian businessmen, Mr Kingsley Okpala.
Nevertheless, speaking at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary, NCSCN, Dr. Raymond Edoh lauded the swift actions taken by the Chinese Government on the said matter, after the complainant Mr Kingsley Okpala reached out to the Council to relay the outcome of meeting with the Embassy of the Asian country and the amicable steps being taken to find solution to the issues in question.
According to Edoh, “ Your Excellency will recall our letter dated December 28, 2023, with reference number: NCSCN/HQ/ABJ/2023/12/022 signed by the Executive Director and Executive Secretary respectively.
“We wish to convey our gratitude for your kind and prompt response to the matter in less than 12 hours of receipt of our letter.
“This has gone a long way towards showcasing the responsiveness and responsibility of the Chinese Government to the relationship shared with the people and Government of Nigeria. NCSCN highly appreciates this positive development, Your Excellency.
“The complainant has reached out to us after a meeting with the Chinese Consulate General at the embassy and briefed us of the outcome and amicable steps being taken to find solution to the issues therein, which sheds light of hope and satisfaction on the side of the civil society community of Nigeria.”
“ We are watchdogs. We will continue to watch the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and not just them, every other country that is unjust to our citizens will be looked into.
“We have numerous complaints that we will be addressing as well. We will inform the media about the extensive number of issues we are facing. If the Chinese Embassy is unable to resolve these complaints, we will return and address them once again.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director, NCSCN, Comr Blessing Akinlosotu stated that, “We express our appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria for taking swift action by contacting the young man in less than 6 hours and reaching out to us in less than 12 hours. We acknowledge and commend their efficiency and commitment to addressing the matter promptly. Such prompt response is a testament to their dedication towards maintaining a strong bilateral relationship and resolving issues in a timely manner”, Blessing said.
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