Despite the Russian invasion, the Nigerian government has asked Nigerians in Ukraine to remain calm and take responsibility for their own safety.
On Thursday, the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine’s capital, issued an advise to this effect.
Regional commissioners are to decide on the appropriate security measures to reinforce the protection of public order and facilities for the safety of citizens and the smooth operation of the economy in their respective domains, according to the statement.
The declaration has sparked debate in the blogosphere, with many Nigerians questioning if the Nigerian government bears responsibility for its diaspora citizens.
READ THE COMPLETE STATEMENT BELOW:
“The attention of the embassy has been drawn to a declaration of state of emergency, and martial law on the entire territory of Ukraine, except the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by the government of Ukraine, effective from midnight of February 23, 2022 for a period of 30 days, as well as the latest development on the Ukraine Russia Crisis.
With this, regional (oblast) commissions are to decide on the necessary security measures to adopt in strengthening the protection of public order and facilities for the safety of the citizenry and running of the economy in their domains. It can be restriction of movement, an additional inspection and verification of certain documents of individuals, among others.
“These are preventive measures aimed at ensuring that the country remains calm and the economy continue to function uninterrupted, while it lasted.
“In view of this development, the embassy urges Nigerian nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but be very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety.
“The embassy wishes to add that should any of Nigerian nationals consider the situation as emotionally disturbing, such nationals may wish to temporary relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangements.
“They should, however, ensure that they do all the needful to validate all their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired.
“In addition, in case of students seeking such temporary relocation, they are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee from their respective institutions, authorities/agents on the way forward in respect to their studies during this period and/or thereafter.
“For those who still consider it appropriate to remain in the country, be assured that the embassy remains open for its consular outies and responsibilities at all times. it will always avail you of updates when necessary”.
