Audio By Carbonatix
President Goodluck Jonathan has embargoed the opening of new embassies and High Commissions by Nigeria till next year until after existing ones are renovated and equipped to international standards.
He disclosed this Friday while responding to a request by Nigerians in London for a Consulate to be opened in Scotland to bring needed services closer to numerous Nigerians living in Scotland.
Jonathan said Nigerian professionals were needed to develop and reposition the country "especially as the entire world was getting more interested in the progress the country was making."
Said the President: "Nigerians all over the world are interested in the development of their country. I really appreciate the quality of Nigerians here. Though, we also have all kinds of elements in prisons in the UK, which was one of the things I discussed with the Prime Minister. But despite that ugly picture, the Prime Minister was full of praise for Nigerian professionals in the UK, and so was Prince Charles.
"What it means is that you are doing so well, if not, those bad elements would have masked all your good efforts. I recall when I had audience with President Barack Obama of the United States, he also praised Nigerians saying they were doing great everywhere and urged me to use the best brains among them to change Nigeria."
Jonathan said he was concentrating on deepening the democratic culture in Nigeria so that people who occupy public offices would be those elected on popular mandates as votes count.
On the possibility of Diaspora Nigerians voting in future, he said he was working on it and hopes to start resolving it through the setting up of the Diaspora Commission "to enable the country benefit from the immense talents of Nigerians abroad."
He attributed the delay in setting up of the commission to the multiplicity of parastatals and agencies.
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