Xenophobia: Reps vow to invoke laws to frustrate S/African interests

The House of Representatives yesterday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to recall Nigeria’s envoy to South Africa over xenophobic attacks on foreigners.

The lawmakers also vowed to invoke relevant business   laws to frustrate South African concerns in Nigeria.

However, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, said yesterday that Nigeria was closely monitoring the attacks on foreigners in South Africa and would take appropriate measures if the lives of Nigerians were at risk.

The Reps’ move was sequel to a motion promoted by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, APC, Lagos, entitled: ‘Xenophobic Attacks on Africans in South Africa’.

In her submission, the Lagos lawmaker argued that the House was disturbed at the constant, unwarranted Zenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, where Africans in South Africa were being slaughtered like animals.

She said:   “The recent attacks which have left many dead, businesses and shops vandalised, many beaten up mercilessly, was incited by a statement allegedly made by South African Zulu King, Goodwill. Zwelithini, who told African migrants to go home as they were no longer welcome in South Africa.

“Son of President Zuma, Edward, allegedly echoed the same   statement which ignited a long debate and worse still immediate backlash of violent reactions among the Zulus in Kwazulu, who unleashed terror on foreigners including Nigerians in J’bourg, Durban and Pretoria.

At this point, Friday Itulah, PDP, Edo, sought for an amendment to reflect that”the Nigerian ambassador to South Africa should be recalled immediately for further consultations and we should sever all diplomatic ties with the troubled country.”

"DROP YOUR COMMENT BELOW "