Tinubu's Govt Deports Zimbabwean Bishop, Gives Reason

Tinubu's Govt Deports Zimbabwean Bishop, Gives Reason

  • President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has deported Eben Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean bishop, over the violation of the Nigerian immigration laws
  • The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said the cleric obtained a tourist visa to visit Nigeria but went to participate in a leadership election in Yola, the Adamawa state capital
  • The Tinubu-led government also maintained that Nhiwatawi's participation in the church election processes violated the immigration's terms and privileges

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered the immediate deportation of Eben Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean cleric, for violating the country's immigration laws.

Nhiwatawi was arrested on August 24 in Yola, Adamawa, for participating in a church leadership election, contrary to the terms of his tourist visa.

Eben Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean clearic, has been deported by Nigerian government over violation of immigration law.
Nigeria deports Zimbabwean cleric for violating immigration law Photo Credit: @nigimmigration
Source: Twitter

When did Eben Nhiwatawi arrive Nigeria?

The cleric had arrived Nigeria on August 21, 2024 with a tourist visa, which is meant solely for tourism purposes. He, however, reportedly participated in a church election process in Yola, Adamawa state, which was deemed a violation of the visa terms and privileges.

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The NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, ordered the cleric's deportation with ministerial approval, emphasizing the need to preserve national security.

The NIS boss stated that while it encourages lawful foreign investment and social activities, it will continue to monitor foreigners' activities to ensure compliance with immigration regulation

Is there immigration law in Nigeria?

The deportation order demonstrates the NIS's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and preventing violations, ensuring that foreigners in Nigeria adhere to the terms and conditions of their visas.

Nigeria and Zimbabwe have a long-standing diplomatic relationship that dates back to the 1980s. The two countries have enjoyed cordial relations, with Nigeria being one of the first African countries to recognise Zimbabwe's independence from British colonial rule in 1980.

Since then, they have cooperated on various regional and international issues, including trade, agriculture, and healthcare. Nigeria has also provided significant economic and technical assistance to Zimbabwe, particularly during the country's economic crisis in the early 2000s.

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5 steps to apply for international passport

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians can now apply for their passports from the comfort of their homes as the Interior minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, shared new guidelines.

The minister outlined simple steps for applying for a passport, adding that it can be done with a phone or computer.

Fresh applicants wishing to apply must be Nigerian and must have NIN, a passport photograph that meets the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, and supporting documents.

Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
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Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with 7 years of experience in journalism and writing, he is also politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds B.A in Literature from OAU, and Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Google's Advance Digital Reporting, News Lab workshop. He previously worked as an Editor with OperaNews. Legit’s Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023). Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng