Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima has issued a stern warning that the Nigerian government and its people will no longer tolerate any form of dehumanisation of Nigerian citizens by any government anywhere in the world. The Vice-President made this declaration while speaking to journalists in Luanda, Angola, on Monday, August 31.
Nigeria's Strong Opposition to Xenophobic and Afrophobic Attacks
Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s firm opposition to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, insisting that the country will not condone the mistreatment of its citizens. He expressed personal pain over the humiliation of Nigerians, recalling Nigeria's historical role in the liberation struggle of Southern Africa.
In his words: “Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation.”
Government's Stance and Call for Robust Dialogue
The Vice-President affirmed that the government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance situations where Nigerians are dehumanised and placed in very unacceptable conditions. However, he emphasised the need for robust conversations with South African counterparts, cautioning against overheating the polity while making it unequivocally clear that certain situations are unacceptable.
“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations. But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out,” Shettima stated.
Call on South African Authorities and AU Involvement
While condemning the xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, Shettima urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity in the enforcement of the country’s immigration policies. He stressed the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity under the law.
It is recalled that the Nigerian government had previously reported South Africa to the African Union (AU) over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African citizens in South Africa. This latest warning from the Vice-President underscores Nigeria's determination to protect its citizens abroad and seek diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
