In 2024, when Nwadialo was first arrested, the Anambra state government denied that he had once been appointed by Governor Charles Soludo. Law Mefor, the state’s commissioner for information and public enlightenment, spoke on the development on Saturday, November 9.

However, his sentencing has started generating reactions from Nigerians.

Below are some of their comments:

David Ogba called for sanctity in public offices: “Public office should symbolize trust, not scandal. Cases like this stain Nigeria’s image and deepen public distrust. Accountability must be swift, transparent, and extend beyond prison to public office too.”

Joedinho decried the damage the sentencing of the local government chairman had caused Nigeria: “Every time a public official gets caught in a case like this, people say it’s an isolated incident. At some point, that excuse stops being believable.

A local government chairman involved in a romance scam worth over $3.5 million? If true, that’s the kind of headline that writes its own criticism. Unpopular opinion: the real damage isn’t the money lost.

It’s the damage done to public trust and Nigeria’s reputation whenever a high-profile figure is linked to fraud. The most disturbing part isn’t the sentence. It’s that someone entrusted with public responsibility was allegedly running a scheme that targeted vulnerable people for millions.”

Nwa Regina claimed that Nigeria’s broken electoral system gave room for someone like Nwadialo to hold public office: “These are the criminals we entrust power to through our broken electoral system. Smdh!”

“As Chair of the Working Group on Regular Pathways/Trafficking in Persons, your role will include providing strategic leadership and coordination for the activities of the group, facilitating meetings and consultations among members, and supporting PCMM in identifying key issues, gaps, and emerging trends relating to migration and trafficking in persons,” the appointment letter stated.

The organisation outlined several responsibilities for the new chair, including leading the development of policy recommendations, advocacy messages, and position papers; promoting collaboration among civil society organisations, government agencies, development partners, and community actors; and encouraging knowledge-sharing and coordinated responses to migration challenges.

Duru will also be expected to support awareness campaigns on safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways while contributing to efforts aimed at preventing trafficking in persons and protecting survivors.

Other responsibilities include providing periodic updates and reports to PCMM leadership, representing the working group at meetings and advocacy engagements, and upholding the organisation’s values of promoting rights-based and humane responses to mixed migration.

PCMM noted that it expects the working group, under Duru’s leadership, to make significant contributions to the protection of migrants, the promotion of safer migration options, and the fight against human trafficking.

In accepting the appointment, Duru pledged to discharge his responsibilities in line with the vision, values, and objectives of the organisation.

The Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on addressing migration challenges through collaboration, policy engagement, and the promotion of rights-based approaches to migration management and protection.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to continue serving in the administration, pledging to bring greater dedication and commitment to his responsibilities.

Abdulaziz also commended leaders and colleagues within the communications team for their support, cooperation and guidance, which he said had contributed significantly to his work.

He further thanked friends, associates and stakeholders in the media sector for their encouragement and contributions to his professional journey.

Describing the confirmation as a fresh challenge, Abdulaziz said the new responsibility would require greater commitment and diligence in service to the nation.

“This is a new challenge that requires greater commitment, dedication and diligence in serving the nation,” he stated.