Return home, cancel trips, protect Nigerians in S’Africa, Ezekwesili tells Tinubu

The ongoing attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa have sparked outrage and calls for decisive action from the Nigerian government. Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has been particularly vocal, condemning President Bola Tinubu's foreign travels while Nigerians face violence abroad.

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Return Home, Mr President: The Nigerian Government Must Stop Treating the Killing and Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa as Routine Diplomacy.

Ezekwesili's strong stance reflects a deep-seated frustration within Nigeria regarding the recurring nature of these xenophobic attacks. She argues that the Federal Government's response, often limited to diplomatic statements and advisories, is insufficient. The Nigerian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has summoned South Africa's Acting High Commissioner and demanded accountability, highlighting the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly linked to South African security forces.

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Mr President Tinubu, it is a total absence of leadership to set out on a three-nation junket to France, Kenya, and Rwanda while the bodies of our citizens lay slain in South Africa while the rest hide from a raging mob.

This situation touches upon a sensitive historical chord. Nigeria played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement, providing crucial support to liberation movements. The current attacks are seen by many as a betrayal of that shared history and a dishonor to the sacrifices made. Ezekwesili's appeal to this legacy underscores the expectation that South Africa, a fellow African nation, should ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians.

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The recurring killing, harassment, looting and intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa is no longer a matter for routine diplomatic statements.

From a Nigerian perspective, the government's primary responsibility is the protection of its citizens, both at home and abroad. The perceived inaction or inadequate response to these attacks fuels a sense of abandonment and raises questions about the value placed on Nigerian lives. The demand for a transparent investigation, justice, and a clear framework for resolution is not just about the immediate incidents but also about preventing future occurrences and upholding Nigeria's standing and its citizens' rights on the continent.

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Nigeria did not stand aside during apartheid. Through the Southern Africa Relief Fund, ordinary Nigerians gave from their meagre incomes to support the liberation struggle. Nigeria provided financial, diplomatic, and moral leadership to the African National Congress and other movements when it mattered most.