Legislature
Xenophobia: Nigerian lawmakers boycott South African-hosted legislative activities.
By Our Correspondent
The Leadership of the National Assembly has expressed grave concern over continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa.
This was contained in a statement by Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., Clerk to the National Assembly, and made available to journalists.
The Leadership is particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks.
It noted with concern that despite repeated appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders to the South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice, reports of such incidents have continued to emerge.
The Leadership also acknowledged the intervention of the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders, including efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
In view of these developments, and following consultations between the Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Assembly has resolved to suspend all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.
The resolution covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its Committees, lawmakers, officials and staff; participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities; physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes; and participation in such programmes through virtual or online platforms.
The Leadership has accordingly directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to issue the necessary communication to all Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff to ensure strict compliance with the resolution.
The Leadership emphasised that the decision is not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa. Rather, it is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The Leadership called on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory, prevent further xenophobic attacks, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Leadership of the National Assembly also enjoined the Leadership of the State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and may consider taking a similar decision.
The Leadership reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension and boycott shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.