Jelili Gbadamosi
The Federal Government has urged South African authorities to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from xenophobic attacks, warning that Nigeria will not tolerate the mistreatment or dehumanisation of its citizens abroad.
Vice President Kashim Shettima issued the warning on Sunday in Luanda, Angola, while speaking with journalists shortly before his departure for Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
Shettima said Nigeria remained willing to engage South Africa through diplomatic channels to resolve concerns surrounding the treatment of Nigerians, but stressed that the government would speak out whenever the safety and dignity of its citizens were threatened.
According to him, Nigeria’s historical contribution to the liberation of Southern African countries made the reported treatment of Nigerians in South Africa particularly disappointing.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble,” the Vice President said, recalling Nigeria’s sacrifices during the struggle for the liberation of Southern African nations.
Shettima maintained that Nigerians who contributed to the liberation efforts should not now be subjected to humiliation or discriminatory treatment in South Africa.
He called on the South African government to ensure that the enforcement of immigration laws was carried out within the bounds of respect for human rights, dignity and personal safety.
The Vice President said Nigeria would continue to pursue what he described as “very robust conversations” with the South African authorities rather than resorting to confrontation.
He stressed that diplomatic engagement remained the preferred approach for addressing the concerns while making Nigeria’s position clear on the protection of its citizens.
Shettima condemned both xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans, noting that the Federal Government would not remain silent in the face of actions capable of threatening the welfare of Nigerians living or doing business in South Africa.
He said the government would continue to balance diplomatic relations with its responsibility to protect Nigerian citizens wherever they reside.
The Vice President’s remarks came as he concluded Nigeria’s representation at the AU summit in Luanda, where he participated on behalf of President Tinubu before departing Angola for Nigeria.
