Xenophobic attacks: Nigerian lives more important than investment - Senator Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole defended his call on Tuesday for the nationalisation of MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria. He insisted that "Nigerian lives must take precedence over foreign investment amid renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa." Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria should take stronger economic action against South African interests in response to repeated attacks on Nigerians abroad.
Oshiomhole said Nigeria should consider restructuring ownership of affected firms to ensure local control, suggesting nationalisation and reprivatisation so "Nigerians can take it over, and the profit they are taking out of Nigeria will be retained here. There will be no South African share in it." He linked his position to persistent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, arguing that economic pressure was necessary to force accountability. He claimed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa only publicly condemned attacks on foreigners after Nigeria applied diplomatic and economic pressure. Oshiomhole said repeated killings of Nigerians in South Africa had gone without accountability and referenced past diplomatic engagements that had not stopped the attacks.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged citizens in South Africa to stay alert and avoid confrontation. NiDCOM confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is engaging local authorities to ensure safety and that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is in talks with her South African counterpart over the situation. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, describing the perpetrators as opportunists exploiting socio-economic grievances.
Quick Summary
Senator Oshiomhole is advocating for Nigeria to prioritize the safety of its citizens abroad- specifically in South Africa- amidst xenophobic attacks. He suggests Nigeria should consider stronger economic actions, raising questions about foreign investment versus human lives.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Politics
France seeks to move beyond colonial ties by meeting African leaders in Kenya
France is trying a new approach in Africa - but will it be enough to overcome the shadows of the past?
4h ago•4 min read
Parliament calls for stronger Africa-wide collaboration on anti-corruption, open governance
African legislators are urged to deepen partnerships for accountability - but can they move beyond rhetoric?
11h ago•2 min read
South African president says he will not step down after impeachment call
President Ramaphosa says he will legally challenge a report that could lead to his impeachment - but why?
13h ago•2 min read
Trump says Iran ceasefire is on 'massive life support'
Trump says the Iran ceasefire is on "massive life support" - what demands are on the table?
19h ago•3 min read
