The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said Nigerians in the diaspora will soon be able to cast votes from their countries of residence.
Kalu who spoke on Thursday night in Maryland when he met Nigerians living in the United States of America at the home of Hon . Emeka Eboe.
Senator Kalu said the next national assembly will fashion a way to actualise diaspora voting to accommodate millions of Nigerians living outside the country.
“As a Nigerian, irrespective of where you stay or live, you should have a say in deciding who leads who. Therefore, in the nearest future, it should be possible for Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in our national elections. In 1992 as a member of House of Representatives I introduced the dual citizenship bill. By God’s grace in the 10th Senate, we will introduce a bill that will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to vote for their chosen candidate.
“We cannot ignore the millions of Nigerians across the globe making a significant impact on the country’s economy and our overall development as a nation.
“He emphasised the importance of effectively mobilising Nigerians in the diaspora who he described as critical components of the country’s development.
Kalu urged citizens living abroad to remain patriotic and committed to the country’s development irrespective of the current security situation.
“Continue to be patriotic here. Don’t lose hope in Nigeria; keep hope alive. We are going to overcome our challenges as a nation.
“I’m appealing to you all to always promote our country positively. Yes, we have challenges, but Nigeria is our only country. We must therefore unite irrespective of our religion, ethnicity or race,” Kalu said.
