By Success Damian
Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) a non-governmental, non-profit organization, has debunked what it termed the Conspiracy Theory being propagated by one Mr. David Hundeyin.
In a statement signed by Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi, Continental Chairman NIDOE; Hon Michael Otogo, General Secretary, NIDOE and Engr. Shakiru Oladunjoye, PRO/Assistant General Secretary, NIDOE, the organization debunked Mr Hundeyin’s alleged claim that NIDOE is infiltrated by Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
It maintained that Hundeyin’s claim is not only unfounded but also a demonstration of a lack of understanding of NIDO’s history, structure, and purpose.
The organization averred that while Mr. Hundeyin was entitled to his opinions, however he is not entitled to misrepresent facts, and therefore debunked the allegations in its entirety.
The statement also stressed NIDOE’s independence and Non-Governmental Status like other NIDO chapters, as an independent, non-governmental organization (NGO), adding that although the formation of NIDO was facilitated by President Olusegun Obasanjo in collaboration with Nigerian embassies, the organization operates independently.
The statement averred that, “The Nigerian government and embassies have, in the past, provided facilitative support to NIDO in recognition of its value to national development. However, this relationship is purely advisory and does not extend to control or interference.”
Speaking further on the autonomy of NIDOE the statement stated that the autonomy of the organization is guaranteed by it constitution: “NIDOE is governed by its constitution, which ensures its independence. Embassies collaborate with NIDO on mutual goals, but NIDO’s operations are self-governed.”
NIDOE therefore emphasized that Mr. Hundeyin’s theory appears to stem from a misinterpretation of a statement on NIDO’s US website acknowledging its origins as a government-facilitated initiative. It however stated that such an acknowledgment does not imply covert control or infiltration, adding that transparency about its origins reflects NIDO’s integrity.
It disclosed that Mr. Hundeyin also failed to provide any names, documented investigations, or verified sources to substantiate his claims. “His allegations are based on conjecture rather than investigative journalism, which undermined the seriousness of his statements.”
NIDOE, while stating that it is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that has consistently upheld its mission to unite and whose work reflects transparency, integrity, and community service, directed her members to ignore such baseless allegations and remain focused.
It said “The NIDOE Executive Council reaffirms its commitment to these principles and encourages all stakeholders to seek verified information and engage constructively with NIDO’s work. Let us not allow conspiracy theories to distract from the meaningful progress we are making.”
