The Nigerian Senate has rejected calls to nationalise South African-owned businesses, including MTN and DStv, in response to the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
During plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers instead resolved to intensify diplomatic efforts, urging the Federal Government to obtain written assurances from the South African government on the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The Senate also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, intimidation, looting and unlawful actions targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who raised concerns over fresh xenophobic attacks after the expiration of a June 30 ultimatum reportedly issued by vigilante groups for foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
Lawmakers further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular support and compile a verified register of Nigerians affected by the violence to facilitate legal redress and compensation.
Although Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria be used to compensate affected Nigerians if South Africa failed to do so, the Senate declined to adopt the recommendation.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin cautioned against retaliatory measures, saying, “Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa… However, we also need to exercise caution.”
The Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to submit a report within two weeks on actions taken to address the attacks and recommendations for further intervention.
Comments
Add a comment