Xenophobia: House Of Reps Calls For Evacuation Of Nigerians From South Africa

In an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan, The Chairperson, House of Rep Committee on Foreign Affairs, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, has called for the evacuation of Nigerians within 24 hours from South Africa owing to ongoing attacks on non-indigenes. She said that the call was necessary because of increasing attacks on Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike in South Africa.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria should rise up to the occasion by having contingency plans to evacuate Nigerians within 24 hours to avoid us losing our citizens to these attacks. It is expedient to think of where all Nigerians can gather within 24 hours for safety either in our embassy or mission for the safety of our citizens,’’ she said.

The lawmaker suggested that a concrete arrangement with some airlines should be made to evacuate Nigerians back home. She also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to equally mobilise to take care of the returnees. “Unfortunately, there is no serious condemnation from South Africa government on this attacks, hence the need for Nigerian government to be proactive and rescue her citizens as soon as possible,’’ she said.

Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also told pressmen that a motion on the issue would be tabled during the plenary session of the House. She condemned the attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, saying it was disgusting for South Africans to be treating Nigerians like that despite the Nigeria’s role during the apartheid struggle.

Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State II, for Foreign Affairs, has said that no Nigerian was killed in the attack against foreigners in South Africa. “We are following the developments in South Africa and efforts are being made to protect Nigerian citizens in South Africa,’’ Obanikoro assured.

Source: Vanguard