Xenophobic attacks: Nigerian Senator joins African leaders against South Africa
Nigeria’s Senator Uba Sani has joined other African leaders in carpeting South African authorities over the ongoing killings of foreigners especially Nigerians and people from other parts of the Continent. His stance is coming on the heels of strong condemnation of South African authorities by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo and South African opposition leader, Julius Malema among other prominent African leaders.
The attacks are also coming ahead of the beginning of the African edition of the World Economic Forum in Cape Town on Sept. 4 and before a state visit to South Africa by President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria – country which is emerging as the worst hit. As consequence, the Nigerian President has reportedly withdrawn his intention to partake in the forthcoming economic summit.
Senator Uba Sani, who represents Kaduna Central Constituency in Nigeria’s upper Chamber – the Senate, has described as “shocking, deeply disturbing and an affront on African unity” the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The Senator, in a media release condemnedā in strong terms the attacks on Nigerians and their businesses, saying it betrayed the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, strengthened by “the frontline role played by Nigeria in the apartheid struggle”.
Turning to the South African authorities, the lawmaker carpeted them for “inaction” describing their lack-lustre disposition on the matter as “highly condemnable”. He said the seeming non-chalance of the South African authorities has reinforced the perception in informed circles that there may indeed be complicity from the highest level”.
The lawmaker noted that the message for South Africa must be loud and clear, that Nigerian lives matter.
“Henceforth no country or people must be allowed to harrass, humiliate or intimidate our people. The principle of reciprocity must be applied in our dealings with other nations and their people”, the Senator warned.
Senator Uba Sani however commended Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan for condemning in strong terms the xenophobic attacks, while applauding President Muhammadu Buhari for despatching a special envoy to the South African President and directing the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister to summon the South African Ambassador to Nigeria”.
