Vice President Kashim Shettima has insisted that Nigeria would no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa.
Shettima, in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Luanda, Angola shortly before his departure for Nigeria, restated Nigeria’s strong opposition to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in Angola on Saturday.
He said that Nigeria remains committed to resolving concerns with South Africa through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
Shettima, who has since departed Luanda for Nigeria, said Nigeria would continue to make its position clear whenever the dignity and safety of Nigerians are threatened.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble.
Also Read: South Africa bills Nigeria, others for migrant repatriation
“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.
“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into 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,” he said.
Shettima, while condemning the xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity in the enforcement of the country’s immigration policies.
The Vice President has returned to Nigeria after participating at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola.
Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, said during the high-level summit, Shettima called for stronger African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution.
“At the summit, Nigeria also backed the Luanda Action Plan and called for sustainable financing of Africa’s peace and security architecture.
“Nigeria also advocated for collective responsibility among AU member states and greater African ownership of solutions to conflicts on the continent.”
He said that Shettima returned to Abuja after the conclusion of his engagements in Angola.
NAN
