The Nigerian Diaspora Forum (NDF), a coalition of Nigerian professionals plying their trades in foreign countries group has advocated the creation of a Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.

The group also said that elections can make or mar a country’s development, adding that when conducted properly, elections will promote unity and true democracy whereas poorly conducted polls generally result in violence, instability, mercenary activity and ultimately, the disintegration of a nation.

Prof. Mondy Gold, President, NDF in a statement issued on Tuesday, noted that the positions were canvassed by participants in an International Conference on Economic Democracy in Nigeria, held in United States on June 24.

According to Gold, the conference had as speakers, Kanu Agabi, (SAN), former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Princess Amina Zakari, former Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Godknows Igali, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Scandinavian countries and Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum and a former Secretary of INEC.

The Conference, organised by the Gold-led group insisted that only credible elections can guarantee good governance and ensure sustainable unity as well as economic democracy.

According to the statement, there were robust discussions of such issues as the vision of the founding fathers of the country, the 2023 elections, the unity of Nigeria and nation building with many noting the need to address corruption, insecurity and the question of the restructuring of the country.

The conference amongst other things recommended the creation of a special ministry for the Nigerian Diaspora, to be known as the Ministry of Nigerian Diaspora Affairs.

Other groups that collaborated with the NDF include the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration, Friends of Democracy, and African Diaspora for Good Governance in the United States.

The statement quoted Gold as stating in his opening remarks that there are millions of people who believe that Nigeria is currently facing major challenges due to insecurity and extreme poverty at a time of unparalleled prosperity.

He said Nigeria has not allocated the limited resources in a way that reduces environmental degradation, civil unrest, and emigration while creating an environment conducive to foreign direct investment and enhancing economic development.

Gold submitted that to lessen the country’s growing wealth gap, there was need to allow all areas an equal opportunity to own, manage, and benefit from productive capital or natural resources.

“A political democracy cannot stably rest and support itself on an economic plutocracy that is sponsored by the state.

“True economic democracy cannot exist without democratically elected authorities who will guide it in the direction of the “public interest.” Gold stated.