Dr Olisa Agbakoba |
Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Olisa
Agbakoba, on Tuesday advised that the Nigerian High Commissioner to South
Africa be recalled over the ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners.
Agbakoba, on Tuesday advised that the Nigerian High Commissioner to South
Africa be recalled over the ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners.
This is contained in a statement by the Olisa Agbakoba Legal,
which was made available to Newsmen in Lagos.
which was made available to Newsmen in Lagos.
He condemned the attacks which has been ongoing, saying that the
development could strain both countries’ relationship.
development could strain both countries’ relationship.
“The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa should be
recalled. Our Foreign Minister should summon the South African
Commissioner in Nigeria to convey our disappointment at the behaviour of some
South Africans.
recalled. Our Foreign Minister should summon the South African
Commissioner in Nigeria to convey our disappointment at the behaviour of some
South Africans.
“The South African Government must know that xenophobic
behaviour of its people is not acceptable to Nigerians.
behaviour of its people is not acceptable to Nigerians.
” It will have the gravest consequences for Nigerian- South
African relations, unless they stop their inexcusable behaviour,” he said.
African relations, unless they stop their inexcusable behaviour,” he said.
Agbakoba said that Nigerians condemn in the strongest possible
terms the unwarranted and unprovoked attack on Nigerians in South
Africa.
terms the unwarranted and unprovoked attack on Nigerians in South
Africa.
He said there could be no excuse for the outrageous behaviour,
especially in the context of good neighbourly relations between South Africa
and Nigeria.
especially in the context of good neighbourly relations between South Africa
and Nigeria.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that Nigeria’s support for
South Africa towards their independence should not be rewarded with such
treatment.
South Africa towards their independence should not be rewarded with such
treatment.
“Nigeria stood by their South African brothers and sisters at
their greatest hour of need during the apartheid years and this is no way to
repay us,” Agbakoba said.
their greatest hour of need during the apartheid years and this is no way to
repay us,” Agbakoba said.
He expressed shock that
President Zuma of South Africa had not made a clear statement, adding that the
Nigerian Government’s response should be stronger.
President Zuma of South Africa had not made a clear statement, adding that the
Nigerian Government’s response should be stronger.