Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a strong warning against xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, saying Nigeria will not tolerate the mistreatment or dehumanisation of its citizens.
Shettima spoke in Luanda, Angola, shortly before returning to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The Vice President said Nigeria remains committed to resolving its concerns with South Africa through dialogue and diplomatic engagement but would continue to speak firmly whenever the safety and dignity of Nigerians are threatened.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s historic role in supporting the liberation of Southern African countries, Shettima said Nigerians should not be subjected to humiliation in a country whose freedom Nigeria helped support.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble,” Shettima said, stressing that Nigeria was deeply pained by reports of Nigerians being subjected to degrading treatment.
He said the Nigerian government and people would no longer accept situations in which citizens are “dehumanised” or placed in unacceptable conditions.
However, Shettima emphasised that Nigeria does not want tensions between the two countries to escalate.
“We believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity,” he said, while insisting that Nigeria would make its position clear whenever certain actions become unacceptable.
The Vice President also urged South African authorities to ensure that immigration laws are enforced with respect for human dignity and the protection of lives.
He maintained that Nigeria would continue to pursue peaceful engagement with South Africa while defending the rights, safety and dignity of Nigerians living or doing business in the country.
