The Nigerian senate has threatened to “act” if South Africa continues the xenophobic attacks on black immigrants, particularly Nigerians in its territory.
It also urged the Nigerian government to immediately recall its high commissioner to the country.
“South Africa should not stretch us beyond the limit. If they stretch us beyond the limit, we may be forced to act,” David Mark, senate president, said on the floor of the upper chamber on Wednesday.
The senate further urged the government to take action against Goodwill Zwelithini, the Zulu king, who instigated the killings of black immigrants in South Africa at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
It urged the Nigerian government to pressure the South African government into bringing perpetrators of “this evil act” to justice and ensure adequate protection of Nigerians and their investments in that country, as well as compensate families who have lost members and those who have lost property as a result of these attacks”.
In a motion moved by Victor Ndoma-Egba, senate leader, the senate noted that “the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in parts of Johannesburg and Durban by locals on African immigrants has led to the death of no fewer than seven persons, massive looting and destruction foreigners’ properties, forcing hundreds of migrants to relocate to police stations across the country.
“The senate is worried that Nigerians living in South Africa have been seriously affected by the crisis, as no fewer than 50 Nigerians had been reportedly rendered homeless.
“Immigrants could not rely on the police for protection because the police rather than help would maltreat and extort money from them,” he added.
It further said it was alarmed that the wave of attacks was precipitated by “the comments of a renowned Zulu king,” pointing out that “while these barbaric acts were going on, some members of the South African security forces who ought to quell the violence, protect victims and prevent the violence from escalating were pictured encouraging the perpetrators to continue in their dastardly acts.”
Responding to Ndoma-Egba’s motion, Solomon Ganiyu, from Lagos state, expressed displeasure at the crisis in South Africa, arguing that Nigeria should have recalled its high commissioner to the country.
He added that South Africa was ungrateful to Nigeria for its support to the country during apartheid, insisting that Nigeria must take immediate action by withdrawing its representative in the country. Also speaking, Abdul Ningi, Bauchi central, argued that Nigeria should review its foreign policy, which makes Africa its main focus.
He premised his argument on the hatred of other Africans for Nigerians. Ningi also called for the suspension of South Africa from the African Union, noting that the attacks on black immigrants in the country was reprehensible. He further called for a repatriation of Nigerians in the country, saying “South Africa is not paradise.”
On his part, Solomon Ita-Enang from Akwa Ibom called for the prosecution of Goodwill Zwelithini, the Zulu king, at the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating that Nigeria has little to gain from South Africa.
He also claimed that South Africa was partly responsible for the economic woes of Nigeria and berated South African companies in the country for ripping off Nigerians.
The senate subsequently summoned Aminu Bashir Wali, foreign affairs minister, to brief its committee on foreign affairs on the situation and measures taken to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians in South Africa. In solidarity with Nigerians in South Africa, Mark wore a black arm band.
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