‘’Nothing But Immediate Cessation Of Hostility To Nigerians’’ Senate President Lawan Speaks On Xenophobia Attacks In South Africa

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has spoken on the need to find immediate and long lasting solutions to protect Nigerians and other foreigners from hate crimes in South Africa.

In a signed statemenet made available to societynow.ng, the Senate President stated

I acknowledge the efforts the Federal Government is making to register the indignation of Nigerians on the cruel treatment of their compatriots in South Africa and to force an end to it.

As part of the efforts on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari has also dispatched a special envoy to meet with the South African authorities, in addition to scheduling a presidential visit to South Africa for discussions with the government of that country on how to end the attacks and redress the current situation.

Every step necessary must be taken in protecting law-abiding foreigners, including Nigerians, and their businesses from hate crimes in South Africa.

It is noteworthy that South Africans and their businesses are prospering from the clement environment that Nigeria offers to all without discrimination. We demand no less from them.

The Senate is closely observing the situation and urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to accept nothing but the immediate cessation of hostility to Nigerians living in South Africa.