Bukola Afeni
The Benin Republic diaspora community in Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the presidential duo of Romuald Wadagni and his running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, urging citizens to come out en masse to vote for them on April 12th.
The Former President of the Benin Diaspora in Nigeria, Hounkpafi Honore
described the duo as “very brilliant” and “experienced”, highlighting the past office achievements as Minister of Finance.
“For us, in Nigeria and in Abuja, it’s very special for us to let the world know that the progress that we have witnessed for the past 10 years in the Republic is tremendous, and it need to be encouraged,” he said.
According to him, the Benin Republic is holding presidential elections in ten countries, including Nigeria, where voting will take place in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan.
Honore also emphasized the strong historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Benin.
” The two countries are one. It is just barriers that divided us. We want the Benin diaspora community to support our candidate. We want our President to have much support”.
The Ambassador of Benin Republic, Berenice Gnansounou Bankole, explained that the country decided to allow its citizens in the diaspora to participate in the upcoming presidential election, in accordance with the country’s constitution.
“We have decided to hold elections in ten countries, including Nigeria, because we have a lot of our compatriots here.”
She estimated that there are about one to two million of their citizens living in Nigeria, spread across various states, including Lagos, Ogun, and Niger.
On the issue of election insecurity, Ambassador Bankole said “Election in Benin is like a party, it is a get-together within brothers and sisters. We are not envisaging any insecurity on the election day.”
The Ambassador expressed confidence that the election will be peaceful and smooth.
