By Idriss LAWAL
Nigeria lower chamber the House of Representatives have taken the bull by the horns to look closes at the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by South Africa, while demanding the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s bilateral relations with the rainbow nation.
The lawmakers urged African governments to recommit themselves to the ideals of Pan-African solidarity, mutual respect, protection of migrants and the eradication of xenophobia, even as another batch of 284 stranded Nigerians arrived in Lagos from South Africa aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau) and Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), amid renewed outrage over the recent killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and the continued attacks on foreign African nationals. Government
The House asked the Federal Government to immediately summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to provide a comprehensive explanation on the latest killings and clarify the South African government’s position on the protection of Nigerians and other African migrants living in the country.
Lawmakers also demanded an independent, transparent, impartial and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of the affected Nigerians and other African victims, with a view to ensuring that perpetrators are identified, prosecuted and punished.
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In its resolutions, the House urged the Federal Government to strengthen consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration support for Nigerians who choose to return home.
It also approved the composition of an ad hoc committee to engage the Parliament and Government of South Africa, the African Union (AU) and other relevant international institutions on the recurring attacks.
The House further resolved that should the South African government fail, within a reasonable period, to take concrete, verifiable and satisfactory measures to end the attacks, protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prosecute perpetrators and compensate victims, Nigeria should review its diplomatic, political, economic and bilateral engagements with Pretoria.
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The proposed review, lawmakers said, should include the adoption of lawful and proportionate measures necessary to safeguard the lives, dignity and interests of Nigerians.
The House also called on the African Union to insist that South Africa fulfils its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other applicable international instruments, while considering coordinated diplomatic measures should Pretoria continue to fail in protecting African nationals within its territory.
It further urged the Federal Government to formally engage the AU, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure accountability and stronger protection for African migrants residing in South Africa.
