The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Qatar (NIDO-Qatar) elected new officers to run the affairs of the community group, during the much anticipated rescheduled poll at the Aspire Dome in Doha on Friday, 5th June 2015.
In a keenly contested presidential poll, Amadi Nwokocha, a trained chartered accountant defeated Mutiu Adedeji, a Quantity Surveyor after he garnered 304 votes from the 422 votes cast.
The newly elected NIDO-Qatar officials include: Michael Asemota (Vice-President), Victor Ikoli (General Secretary), Victor Ayegba (Assistant General Secretary), Famous Aluya (Financial Secretary), Bisi Bello (Treasurer), Tauheed Jibril (PRO), Ayo Solomon & Usman Ahamadu-Suka (Welfare Officers), Kazeem Kayode (Chief Whip).
Amadi Nwokocha, President of NIDO-Qatar and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, said after his declaration: “The result of the election is indicative of the resolve of the Nigerian community to change the status quo and to ensure grassroot representation. The elections were conducted in a professional and transparent manner, devoid of any rancor”
“The new Executive Committee under my leadership will ensure that the elements of the two-year restoration plan in which my campaign was premised are achieved. We are committed to delivering on our mandate to the Nigerian people in Qatar, as well as contributing to the ongoing change process in Nigeria”.
Victor Ikoli, who was also the immediate past PRO of the organization said: “Owing to the wind of change in Nigeria as seen in the election of President Muhammadu Buhari,
Nigerians in Qatar resolved to join hands to put the community in the right stead.”
“At NIDO-Qatar we are committed to the provision of necessary assistance to Nigerians resident in the Qatar. Additionally, we provide support in areas of community welfare, social welfare, legal assistance, immigration support, resolution of disputes with sponsors, education advisory, job hunting assistance, job placement, health, arts and culture and the development of Nigeria” Ikoli added.
The election which was rescheduled after a rowdy April 10 botched poll was well organized and coordinated by the Caretaker Committee. Over 650 Nigerians registered for the process and about 500 were accredited to vote on Election Day.
Effiong Ebong, a contestant said the conduct of the election was orderly and congratulated the new elected officers. “All I did and stood for was about service to the people and the election result notwithstanding, the spirit of change cannot be silenced by election results but I will continue (in my little capacity) to serve my people to the best of my ability.”
Fola Lawal, a voter said: “I am happy with the conduct of the election and congratulate the new executives. I hope they will deliver on their promises to cater for the welfare of its citizens and improve the image of Nigeria in Qatar.”
NIDO-Qatar, formerly the Nigerian Community in Qatar Association (Dohanaija) was formed by a group of eminent Nigerians in 2002 as a social, non-religious and non-political forum where members can mingle, get together as well as provide support for one another.