Xenophobia an affront on Africa’s unity – Sen – Sani

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Senator representing Kaduna Central, Uba Sani, has described as “shocking, deeply disturbing and an affront on Africa’s unity”, the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The Senator said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on yesterday.
Sani condemned in strong terms the attacks on Nigerians and their businesses, saying it betrayed the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, strengthened by “the frontline role played by Nigeria in the apartheid struggle”.
Turning to the South African authorities, the lawmaker carpeted them for “inaction”, describing their lack-lustre disposition on the matter as “highly condemnable”.
He said the seeming nonchalance of the South African authorities has reinforced the perception in informed circles that there may indeed be complicity from the highest level”.
The lawmaker noted that the message for South Africa must be loud and clear, that Nigerian lives matter.
“Henceforth no country or people must be allowed to harass, humiliate or intimidate our people. The principle of reciprocity must be applied in our dealings with other nations and their people”, the Senator warned.
Senator Uba Sani however commended Senate President, Ahmed Lawan for condemning in strong terms the xenophobic attacks, while applauding President Muhammadu Buhari for dispatching a special envoy to the South African President and directing the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister to summon the South African Ambassador to Nigeria”.