NIGERIANS FLEEING TO GHANA OVER ELECTIONS, BOKO HARAM FEARS

The heated political atmosphere in Nigeria due to
the country’s upcoming general elections in
February has seen an influx of Nigerians into
Ghana.
Confirming this to Citi News, the President of the All
Nigerian Community in Ghana, Moses Owaru said
the influx of Nigerians into Ghana over the past few
weeks can also be attributed to the general security
challenges facing the country.
“Nigerians are coming to Ghana; yes I agree that
the rate has increased a little bit but the issue of
security in Nigeria – the Boko Haram is also
making people come to Ghana,” he explained.
According to him, many Nigerian students are also
coming to Ghana to study at the various tertiary
institutions.
“Some students are also coming to Ghana so I
wouldn’t say that it’s just because of the election
that is why they are coming to Ghana,” he
remarked.
Nigeria will in February head to the polls to elect a
new President and the country is also battling with
the insurgence of Islamist Militant group, Boko
Haram whose activities claimed over 2,000 lives in
2014.
These situation is believed to have contributed
largely to the migration of some Nigerians into
neighbouring countries in the West African sub-
region including Ghana.
Mr. Owaru indicated that the security situation in
Nigeria is likely to escalate during and after the
elections which is why some Nigerians “wish to
come to Ghana to stay till the election is over.”
He mentioned that since the Nigerian community in
Ghana is expected to grow during this period, its
leadership will “organize programmes to sensitize
both the contestants in Nigeria and the Nigerians
who are living in Ghana and even those who are
coming.”
“It is to help them know how to comport
themselves. They must live by the law and make
sure they understand the environment they are
coming in,” he added.
Reacting to the influx of Nigerians into Ghana, the
Director of Operations at the Ghana Police Service,
COP John Kudalor told Citi News, the Police are
adequately prepared to address any security
challenge that may arise due to the impending
Nigerian elections.
“We have put in place measures and patrolling. I
am sure very soon, NADMO will get in touch with
us. Meanwhile, we are making our security
arrangements to make sure that if anything
unforeseen happens, we will be able to contain it,”
he assured.
According to him, the Ghana Police Service is on
high alert due to the existing security situation in the
sub-region.
“It’s not only in Nigeria, it’s a sub-regional issue
with very important dimensions but we will make
adequate preparations,” he said.
COP Kudalor further disclosed that from November
2014, his outfit began preparations “and during the
Christmas operations, that was also in mind.”
Source: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com