Xenophobia: Nigeria will no longer tolerate dehumanisation of its citizens in South Africa — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Shettima spoke in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing the country for Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

The Vice President reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, while stressing that the Federal Government remained committed to resolving concerns through dialogue and peaceful engagement.

He, however, said Nigeria would continue to speak out whenever the safety and dignity of its citizens were threatened.

“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation,” Shettima said.

He stressed that the Nigerian government and its people would not accept situations where Nigerians were subjected to degrading treatment.

“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria would continue to engage South African authorities through robust diplomatic conversations rather than allow the issue to escalate.

“But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while, you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out,” the Vice President added.

Shettima also urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity while enforcing the country’s immigration laws.

The Vice President has since departed Luanda for Nigeria.

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