The Senate on Tuesday slammed the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa but turned down calls to nationalise South African firms such as MTN and DStv. Senators urged the Federal Government to step up diplomacy and get written assurances from South Africa about Nigerians’ safety after the June 30 ultimatum expired.
The motion, by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), followed fresh attacks on Nigerians and other Africans. The Senate demanded arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, stronger consular help, a verified register of victims for legal redress and compensation, and urged work with affected countries and the African Union on early warning and accountability. Committees on foreign affairs and diaspora were ordered to review past resolutions and report back within four weeks.
Calls to sever ties with South Africa or seize assets were rejected by some, though Senator Eshilokun Wasiu pushed for nationalisation. Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed using South African firms’ profits to compensate victims, saying, “If indeed the South African government refuses to compensate affected Nigerians, it is proposed that the federal government of Nigeria should consider appropriating the profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria, including their banks and other businesses, and use those funds to compensate Nigerian victims.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged caution: “Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa. The actions of violent groups attacking innocent people are completely unacceptable. Killing people in the name of protests cannot and should not be tolerated.” He then gave the Committee on Foreign Affairs a deadline: “Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, you are hereby given two weeks to submit your report so that this Senate can take decisive action on the matter.”
Senator Ekpenyong warned, “The Senate Africa’sith grave concern the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks, intimidation and anti-foreigner vigilantism against Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the Republic of South Africa.”
