Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, has called on the Nigerian government to immediately end diplomatic relations with South Africa over xenophobic attacks on its citizens.
Ningi made the call on Tuesday during plenary at the Senate, amid ongoing attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
The lawmaker said Nigerians have been killed “left, right, and centre” with no concrete action taken by the South African government beyond verbal condemnation.
“End whatsoever diplomatic relations with South Africa. Nigerians have been killed left, right, and center, and there has never been any action except to condemn it by mouth,” he said.
“This xenophobic attack is not done by mouth but physically. Imagine someone in his own house and place of business without any notice and then mobs begin to chase that man, kill and burn him,” Ningi added.
He noted that over 1,200 Nigerians are already being evacuated, and questioned the federal government’s response.
“As we are talking today, over 1200 Nigerians are already being evacuated. And what did the government do? Caution. Caution what?” he asked.
“Don’t Nigerians deserve to live in other countries? Even if they are criminal, are they supposed to be killed in that manner?” the senator asked, citing the United States as an example of a country that protects its citizens abroad.
” And that is why countries like the United States is different. That’s why you could see the connection between the United States’ citizens and their country,” the Bauchi senator said.
Recall that following the attacks, the Nigerian government has evacuated some willing and stranded Nigerians back to the country.
