Dear Members of the Press and Nigerian Community in Europe,
We, the legally constituted Caretaker Committee of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe(NIDOE), are issuing this press release to clarify the misrepresentations contained in the press statement dated October 29, 2024, issued by the dissolved Central Executive Council (CEC). The inaccurate information presented in the dissolved CEC’s press release does not represent the legal grounds, democratic processes, and member-driven initiatives that resulted in the lawful dissolution of both the CEC and the Electoral Committee (EC) at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of NIDOE held on October 26, 2024.
1. Legality of the EGM and Authority of Members to Convene:
The EGM held on October 26 was convened in full compliance with the UK Companies Act 2006 and the NIDOE Constitution, underscoring the democratic and legal rights of members to address organizational issues through an assembly. According to Section 303 of the UK Companies Act 2006, members holding the requisite voting rights are entitled to requisition a meeting if the existing leadership fails to address significant concerns. The CEC’s neglect to convene a meeting following the membership meeting requisition to discuss those substantial concerns constituted a breach of Section 304, providing the legal basis for members to organize and hold an EGM under Section 305 of the UK Companies Act 2006.
Furthermore, the dissolved CEC’s claims that the EGM is “unconstitutional” lack foundation. Articles 56 and 57 of the NIDOE Constitution, along with Article 12 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (protecting members’ rights to freely associate and make democratic decisions), reinforce the legitimacy of the EGM as a platform for members to exercise their governance rights.
2. Valid Dissolution of the CEC and EC by Members Vote:
At the EGM, more than 95% of attendees—consisting of over 170 vetted and registered NIDOE members from chapters across Europe—voted to pass a vote of no confidence on both the CEC led by Dr. Bashir Obasekola and the EC led by Mr. Adesina Ayodele, and for the immediate dissolution of both councils. The grounds for dissolution stem from alleged mismanagement, breaches of the NIDOE Constitution, and concerns over lack of financial accountability, all of which required immediate action to preserve NIDOE’s integrity. The EGM’s resolutions, including the establishment of a seven-member Caretaker Committee, were conducted transparently and with the full endorsement of a significant majority of NIDOE members, further legitimizing the decisions taken.
3. Appointment and Authority of the Caretaker Committee:
Following the dissolution of the CEC and EC, the EGM unanimously approved a Caretaker Committee to oversee the operations of NIDOE. This committee’s mandate includes:
• Managing NIDOE’s daily operations
• Overseeing a transparent electoral process within twelve months
• Restoring membership trust through transparent governance
The Caretaker Committee is legally empowered by both the EGM resolution and Articles 56 and 57 of the NIDOE Constitution to act in these capacities. This Committee will coordinate all organizational functions, ensuring alignment with NIDOE’s core values and compliance with relevant laws, including the UK Companies Act 2006.
4. Countering Misleading Claims on Chapter and Candidate Nominations
The dissolved CEC’s claim of “unconstitutional” chapter conduct and improper candidate nominations represents a distortion of facts. The dissolved CEC’s approach towards UK-South (UKS) chapter nominees sought to undermine Chapter autonomy and to control chapter-based decisions, invariably undermining the NIDOE Constitution’s principles of chapter-level governance. Additionally, the dissolved CEC and EC’s disregard for fair election practices and representation prompted NIDOE members to rightfully take corrective action through the EGM.
5. Consequences of Non-Compliance by the Dissolved CEC and EC:
Under the UK Companies Act, any continued obstruction by the dissolved CEC and EC to transfer NIDOE assets, documents, and authority to the Caretaker Committee will lead to appropriate course of action being taken against them. These may include but not limited to legal actions. We hope this alongside the potential consequences will be avoided, as we look forward to their full cooperation in the transfer of all NIDO Europe assets and documents in their possession to the lawfully constituted Caretaker Committee.
6. Call for Unity and Compliance:
The Caretaker Committee was established to uphold NIDOE’s values, integrity, and mission by restoring transparency and enabling democratic representation. We call upon all members, chapters, and stakeholders to support this transitional phase, designed solely to realign NIDOE with its foundational goals. We urge Dr. Bashir Obasekola and all former CEC and EC members to respect the democratic will of NIDOE members, as any continued non-compliance will compel the Committee to seek appropriate recourse.
We trust that all well-meaning members of the Nigerian diaspora in Europe will see through these divisive tactics and work collaboratively with the Caretaker Committee for a unified, transparent, and effective NIDOE.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to upholding NIDOE’s democratic principles.
Signed by:
Alhaji Issa Abdullahi (Chairman) and Dr. Onyebuchi Egbuchunam
(General Secretary)
For and on behalf of the NIDOE Caretaker Committee.
Disclaimer:
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