Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has spoken out against the blatant display of xenophobia that Nigerians in South Africa have been made to face. He has promised that the government will work with the South African government to make sure that the situation does not repeat itself.
The blatant display of xenophobia in South Africa against other African immigrants has not only been heartbreaking to watch but has also evoked a public outcry on the actions of South Africans. This is why it was important for Prof Yemi Osinbajo to speak up about it and explain what they were doing to help end it.
He said: “The recent attacks in South Africa are condemnable. It is sad and very unfortunate that the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in South Africa, are once again being destroyed with such wantonness carelessness and recklessness. Nigeria and Nigerians invested a great deal in the pulling down of apartheid. These acts of bigotry are entirely contrary to the very ideals that all the great South African leaders including the present President fought for, and for which many gave their lives.”
He continued by saying, “Mr President has already spoken about this. We will take this up with the authorities in South Africa in to ensure that this sort of thing does not repeat itself. It is absolutely unacceptable. We will take all actions necessary for the protection of our citizens everywhere in the world. We are currently in consultation with the South African government on the urgent need to put in place measures to end these acts of violence against our people.”
Nigeria and Nigerians invested a great deal in the pulling down of apartheid. These acts of bigotry are entirely contrary to the very ideals that all the great South African leaders including the present President fought for, and for which many gave their lives. pic.twitter.com/9aCrsvlzq9
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) September 3, 2019
We will take all actions necessary for the protection of our citizens everywhere in the world. We are currently in consultation with the South African government on the urgent need to put in place measures to end these acts of violence against our people.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) September 3, 2019
Asides from revealing that the government intends to end the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, Osinbajo did not clearly say what the actual plans of action are. Meanwhile, Nigerians have decided to take issues into their own hands and are protesting at South African owned businesses in the country. Some of the protests are peaceful, while others seem to be going out of hand.
Public observers in Nigeria have stated that it is important for citizens to deal with the real problem and avoid endangering lives in the country.