By Ovie Okpare
The Nigeria Immigration Service has given reasons for the deportation of a Zimbabwean bishop, Eben K. Nhiwatawi, who was on a visit to the country.
NIS, while explaining the Federal Government decision, said Bishop Nhiwatawi was repatriated for participating in the Methodist Church leadership election process despite holding a tourist visa.
The Service in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Wednesday, described the involvement of the cleric in the election process as a violation of Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.
NIS noted that the Bishop’s actions as a clear violation of the terms and privileges associated with the tourist visa which he was carrying.
The statement read in part, “On 24th August 2024, Mr Eben K. Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean Bishop, was apprehended in Yola, Adamawa State, for violating Immigration protocols.
“The Bishop arrived in the country on 21st August 2024, with a Tourist Visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes.
However, he was found to be participating in the Methodist Church leadership election process, which is in clear violation of the terms and privileges associated with the Tourist Visa as provided in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.
“In light of the above, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, with Ministerial approval, has ordered his immediate repatriation from the country.
“While the Service encourages the lawful inflow of Foreign Direct Investment and individuals engaging in business and social activities, as key facilitators of economic growth and development, it will not tolerate any violation of the country’s Immigration laws.
“The Service remains committed to preserving the country’s national security and will continue to monitor the activities of foreigners for such purposes.”
