- Orders evacuation of Nigerians in S-Africa
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday received a formal report from the Federal Government’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, sent to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians
The President has also ordered the immediate evacuation of Nigerians who are willing to return home from the former apartheid enclave.
In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama has received matching orders to sustain engagement with appropriate authorities on the concrete measures expected of the South African Government on the disturbing issues at hand.
A statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, said; “In the wake of the xenophobic attacks by South Africans against other Africans including Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari sent Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (DGNIA) as his Special Envoy to South Africa, to convey a Special Message to his counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to the statement: “The Special Envoy, who was in Pretoria from Thursday, 5th to Saturday, 7th September, 2019 conveyed: The deep concern of President Buhari and Nigerians about intermittent violence against Nigerians and their property/business interests in South Africa.
“President Buhari stressed the need for South African Government to take visible measures to stop violence against citizens of brotherly African nations.”
It further said; “President Buhari is worried that the recurring issue of xenophobia could negatively affect the image and standing of South Africa as one of the leading countries on the continent, if nothing is done to stop it.
“The Special Envoy conveyed the assurance of President Buhari that the Nigerian Government is ready and willing to collaborate with the South African Government to find a lasting solution to the involvement of few Nigerians in criminal activities, and to protect the lives and property of the larger groups of other law abiding Nigerians and indeed Africans in general, against all forms of attacks including xenophobia.”
Chief Adesina’s statement also said; “President Buhari further assured that the Nigerian Government will guarantee the safety of lives, property and business interests of South Africans in Nigeria.”
The statement, which also captured the stand of the South African government on the unfortunate development, said; “On his part, President Ramaphosa agreed that the violence was most disconcerting and embarrassing, adding that his government completely rejects such acts, which undermine not only the country’s image but also its relations with brotherly African countries.
“President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his stand against criminality and committed to do everything possible to protect the rights of every Nigerian and other foreign nationals in the country.
Chief Adesina explained that; “The Special Envoy also interfaced with his South African counterpart, where they reviewed the situation of foreign emigrants in general and Nigerians in particular. They agreed to work together to find a permanent solution to the root causes of the recurring attacks on Nigerians and their property.”
The statement said that having taken note of the report, President Buhari “has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue to engage with appropriate Authorities on the concrete measure the South African Government is expected to take.
“President Buhari has also given instruction for the immediate voluntary evacuation of all Nigerians who are willing to return home.”
