The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to impose strong diplomatic measures against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings and the alleged systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi.
The motion, titled, “Need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to Immediately Respond to the Escalating Xenophobic Attacks, Extrajudicial Killings and Systematic Persecution of Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa,” received unanimous support during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Moving the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent in the face of repeated attacks on its citizens despite years of diplomatic engagement with South Africa.
He said, “The House is aware that the Republic of South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated waves of xenophobic violence directed against Nigerians and other African nationals, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear.”
