The Senate has condemned the wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana even as lawmakers asked for decisive action against Pretoria.
It warned that continued violence, intimidation and reprisals could strain diplomatic ties and undermine regional stability if urgent action was not taken.
This followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Sen. Aniekan Akpan and co-sponsored by Sen. Osita Izunaso during Tuesday’s plenary.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern over what they described as a pattern of hostility in which Nigerians were increasingly profiled and treated as though being a Nigerian national alone constitutes an offence.
In its resolutions, the senate urged the Federal Government to immediately initiate a high-level diplomatic dialogue with South Africa and Ghana to secure protection for Nigerians and obtain enforceable assurances against future attacks.
The upper chamber also called for a full, transparent, credible and independent investigation into all the reported incidents even as it insisted that perpetrators and their sponsors be identified, arrested, prosecuted and punished.
“This is in addition to calling for the development of a comprehensive protection framework for Nigerians in the diaspora, including early warning mechanisms and diaspora displacement coordination centres,” it said.
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The lawmakers also pressed for strong regional enforcement and accountability measures within ECOWAS and the African Union to deter xenophobia through diplomatic and legal action that protects African citizens across borders.
The upper chamber described the attacks as barbaric, unlawful and inconsistent with African brotherhood, raising alarm over what it termed advocacy of fear, humiliation and psychological trauma.
It noted that authorities in South Africa had acknowledged the incidents and pledged to restore order, a development it said confirmed the seriousness and contemporary nature of the incidents.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) canvassed a tougher response, warning of economic consequences if the attacks persisted.
“By the time we withdraw MTN licence, we revoke DStv licence, those workers from South Africa will have good jobs to do.
“Let South Africa continue with their jobs. I believe there will be sanity,” he said.
The senator urged colleagues not to turn the chamber into a place of mourning, crying and lamenting, but to “bite in a manner that they will be the one begging.”
Sen. Adamu Aliero (APC-Kebbi) urged caution, stressing the need for diplomacy.
“I rise to contribute to this very important debate. First and foremost, in international relations, there is what we call rule of reciprocity.
“Nigeria has done a lot for South Africa and we demand a lot also from South Africa by making sure that Nigerians living in South Africa and conducting their business do so freely and fairly without any intimidation,” he submitted.
Aliero disclosed that diplomatic engagement was already underway.
“Mr President, I’m aware that the Federal Government of Nigeria has already stepped into this matter.
“Currently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is already in South Africa to discuss with the authorities there,” he said.
NAN
