The Nigerian National Assembly has condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 21 passed a resolution condemning the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Members of the House of Representatives say Nigerians in South Africa have not been treated fairly
The lawmakers also urged the executive to recall Nigeria’s high commissioner to South Africa ahead of a major anti-Nigerians rally planned for Friday, February 24.
The motion on xenophobic attacks targeted at Nigerians in South Africa was moved by Hon. Rita Orji as a matter of urgent public importance.
Hon. Sergious Ogun supported the motion and lamented the treatment meted out to Nigerians in South Africa despite Nigeria’s contributions to the fight against apartheid in that country and how businesses owned by South Africans thrive here in Nigeria.
"I want us as a House to commend it and I also want our government to take a stand on it. How can we say that we are the giant of Africa when in other African countries, our citizens are being killed?" he asked.
"Mr. Speaker, the question now arises, how do we engage beyond diplomatic conventions?" Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje asked, noting that despite using diplomatic channels, the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa have persisted.
She there suggested that the House send a delegation to engage with the South African parliament, in hopes that representatives of the people would be better able to sort the issues out, and that the xenophobic tendencies of South Africa should be discussed at the next AU meeting.
But minority leader of the House Hon. Leo Ogor feels that the House should act stronger: "Time has come for us to call a spade a spade. This isn't the first time this is happening. South Africans continue to kill Nigerians for no justifiable reason and this is completely unacceptable."
He further noted that the security and welfare of citizens is paramount.
He said:"We need to condemn this act in its entirety and specifically ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs to make it clear that we will not accept this any longer as a nation.
"If we as a nation can grant opportunities to South Africans to do business, then we need to wake up and take a stand.”
Hon. Mark Gbillah, in his submission, suggested that a travel advisory be issued, urging Nigerians to not travel to SA, and that orders be given to their ambassador to ensure that the anti-Nigerian protests slated to hold on Friday must not hold.
He also added that we ought to recall our ambassador and expel theirs.
The federal government had earlier condemned the attacks and called on the South African government to end them as soon as possible.
Adisa Musiliu
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