The Senate has mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and report back within two weeks to guide the Federal Government on appropriate diplomatic and policy responses.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), during which lawmakers unanimously condemned the attacks that have claimed lives and destroyed properties of many Nigerians.
The debate, which took place on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, became intense as several senators advocated tougher measures against South Africa, with Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) calling on President Bola Tinubu to begin the process of severing diplomatic ties with the country should the attacks continue.
“We can’t pretend those killed are not Nigerians. We are representing Nigerians. When we say caution, what do we mean by that? We can’t be condemning and not doing anything.
“The centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy has to change. Let’s sever relations with South Africa. Enough is enough. Silence is no longer golden,” Senator Ningi said.
He stated that over 1,200 Nigerians were being repatriated from South Africa and argued that Nigeria’s foreign policy should be reassessed. His prayer was, however, turned down.
