Former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has advised the Nigerian government to suspend diplomatic ties with South Africa.
Ekweremadu disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
The statement reads, “I find the incessant xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in #SouthAfrica very un-African, barbaric, and unparalleled acts of ingratitude.
“It is quite disturbing that the Government of SA hasn’t taken decisive steps to end these attacks, which have led to wanton loss of lives and properties of fellow Africans, especially Nigerians.
“The attacks defy and desecrate everything African brotherhood stands for, especially for a country that gained freedom with the support, sweat, and sacrifice of fellow African nations among which Nigeria clearly stands out.
“The attacks have reached scary and desperate degrees and call for desperate actions on the part of Nigeria, African nations, and the AU. It will therefore not be out of place for the FG to suspend diplomatic ties with SA until full assurance of safety of Nigerians and their properties in SA are secured, adequate compensation paid for the damages, and the perpetrators also brought to book. The AU must rise to the occasion now.
“The AU could be reduced to an empty shell if law abiding African nationals cannot find peace and safety in a fellow African nation like South African, but are instead savaged by people who should be their brother’s keeper.
“AU should therefore summon an emergency session to sanction South Africa; and a suspend from the Union for unprovoked acts of hostilities against fellow Africans whose countries fought for the freedom they enjoy today will not be out of place.”
