The Nigerian Senate has rejected calls for the Federal Government to take over South African owned companies such as MTN and DStv despite mounting public anger over the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
The decision followed a heated debate during plenary where lawmakers unanimously condemned the attacks but stopped short of endorsing retaliatory economic measures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria. Instead, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of Nigerians and demand accountability from the South African authorities.
Lawmakers expressed deep concern over reports of violence, intimidation, looting and the forced displacement of Nigerians and other African nationals after the expiration of an ultimatum reportedly issued by anti migrant vigilante groups. The Senate described the attacks as unacceptable and called on the South African government to arrest and prosecute everyone responsible for the violence...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The upper legislative chamber also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to obtain written assurances from the South African government guaranteeing the protection of Nigerians. It further urged the relevant agencies to strengthen emergency consular services and compile a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injuries, unlawful detention, displacement or the destruction of businesses and properties to facilitate possible compensation and legal redress.
During the debate, some lawmakers argued that Nigeria should respond with stronger economic measures, including appropriating the profits of South African companies operating in the country to compensate victims of the attacks. They maintained that Nigeria should not continue to tolerate repeated assaults on its citizens while South African businesses continue to operate and generate huge profits within its borders.
However, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, urged restraint, insisting that decisions of such magnitude should be based on verified facts and the findings of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. He noted that while the attacks were deeply troubling and deserved condemnation, the committee should be allowed to complete its investigation before any far reaching action is taken.
The Senate subsequently directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks, promising that lawmakers would take decisive action based on its recommendations. It also called on the Federal Government to work with other African nations through the African Union to establish an effective continental mechanism for monitoring and preventing xenophobic attacks.
The development highlights Nigeria’s determination to protect its citizens abroad while maintaining diplomatic channels with South Africa, even as pressure continues to mount for tougher action against the recurring attacks on Nigerians.
