The Federal Government has conferred citizenship status on 217 foreigners with a warning to abide by the nation’s laws or risk severe reprimand. The government said the recipients had been found worthy after a thorough screening process. Of the 217 nationals presented with certificates of citizenship, 129 were awarded Certificates of Naturalisation while 88 were given Certificates of Registration.
Performing the event yesterday, Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, said only deserving persons were awarded the citizenship, adding that conferment ceremony became obligatory in order to allow the “new Nigerians” fraternize with other Nigerians.
He urged the recipients to respect national symbols, anthem, pledge and other national values as citizens, explaining that the approval of their application was in accordance with relevant constitutional provisions.
Moro also tasked them to rise to the challenge of defending Nigeria when the need arises, urging them to immediately begin to contribute their quota towards resolving the security challenges confronting the nation. Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Fatima Bamidele, said as Nigerians, the recipients should not relent in contributing their quota to the development of the nation.
The event featured an administration of oath and recitation of the National pledge by a legal officer in the ministry as well as presentation of national flags to the new citizens.
Curiously, however, about 20 names were missing from the list of those to be presented with certificates due to what a source in the ministry attributed to lack of proper planning and organisation by the directorate in charge of such issues.
Some names of the nationals were also not spelt correctly, but an official said those affected should report to the ministry today to immediately rectify the anomaly.
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