Fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa dominated proceedings in the Senate on Tuesday as Senator Abdul Ningi called on the Federal Government to consider ending diplomatic relations with South Africa if the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continues.
The lawmaker made the demand during plenary while contributing to a motion on the recurring attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa. His remarks came amid growing outrage over recent incidents in which Nigerian citizens were reportedly killed, assaulted, displaced and forced to flee their homes and businesses.
Ningi argued that repeated condemnations and diplomatic warnings by successive Nigerian governments have failed to stop the attacks or guarantee the safety of Nigerians abroad. According to him, stronger action is now required to send a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the continued targeting of its citizens.
“We cannot continue to issue statements of condemnation while Nigerians are being killed,” the senator said, insisting that the country’s foreign policy should reflect its commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they reside. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to begin the process of severing diplomatic ties with South Africa should the attacks persist.
Ningi also lamented reports that more than 1,200 Nigerians were being repatriated from South Africa following the latest violence, describing the situation as unacceptable for a nation that has historically enjoyed close diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The debate followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who drew the Senate’s attention to the renewed xenophobic attacks and the threats allegedly issued against foreign nationals in South Africa after a June 30 ultimatum by anti-immigrant groups. Lawmakers unanimously condemned the attacks and called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
Several senators supported taking a firmer diplomatic stance. Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggested that Nigeria should consider using profits generated by South African companies operating in the country to compensate Nigerian victims if South Africa fails to act decisively against perpetrators of the attacks.
However, lawmakers eventually opted for a more cautious approach after Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged restraint pending the outcome of an investigation by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. He maintained that Nigeria should continue to demonstrate leadership on the African continent by allowing due diplomatic processes to take their course before adopting more drastic measures.
Following his intervention, Senator Ningi agreed to withdraw his proposal for the immediate severance of diplomatic ties, although he insisted that his motion be officially recorded in the Senate proceedings.
The Senate subsequently directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the latest xenophobic attacks and submit its findings within two weeks. The committee is expected to recommend appropriate diplomatic and policy responses to the Federal Government.
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The lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to secure firm assurances from South African authorities on the safety of Nigerians, ensure perpetrators of the attacks are prosecuted, and work towards obtaining justice and compensation for affected victims.
