Senate has urged the Federal Government via the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written assurances from South African Government on protection of Nigerians following the expiration of June 30, ultimatum.

The upper chamber also demanded the arrest and prosecution of persons responsible for acts of violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful immigration enforcement targeted at Nigerians in South Africa.

Senate resolutions followed adoption of a motion entitled “Need to halt recurring pattern of xenophobic attacks, intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa at plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion was sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River).

Ekpenyong in the motion expressed concern over renewed wave of xenophobic attacks, intimidation and anti-foreigner vigilantism against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

He said the anti-migrant group’s ultimatum requiring foreign nationals considered undocumented to leave South Africa by June 30, had accompanied displacement and violence and attacks on foreign-owned businesses and homes.

He said the intimidation had extended beyond undocumented migrants to Nigerians and other foreign nationals who possessed valid residence, work and immigration permits.

According to him, some of whom have reportedly been threatened, profiled, evicted or instructed to leave by unauthorised vigilante groups.

Ekpenyong said the indiscriminate targeting of foreign nationals, including lawful residents, demonstrates that the campaign cannot be regarded merely as immigration enforcement, but constitutes xenophobic hostility based on nationality and perceived foreign origin.

He said Nigeria, alongside other African countries, stood firmly with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, providing sustained diplomatic, financial and material support to the liberation movement and release of Nelson Mandela.

Ekpenyong noted that the Senate in its resolutions of May 5 had condemned the attacks and called for diplomatic engagement, protective measures and parliamentary intervention.

He, however, expressed concern that Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa have been attacked, looted, closed or abandoned under threat.

He said the South African-origin enterprises and brands, including MTN and DStv, have continued to operate successfully and lawfully in Nigeria.

According him, Nigeria has chosen the path of restraint, African brotherhood and respect for the rule of law by rejecting reprisals against South African nationals and lawful commercial interests in Nigeria.

He expressed regrets that subsequent developments, including voluntary repatriation of Nigerians and the expiration of the June 30 ultimatum, indicated that previous interventions have not provided sufficient protection or a lasting solution.

He said although, it was the sovereign authority of South Africa to enforce its immigration laws, but maintained that such enforcement must be undertaken exclusively by authorised state institutions and in accordance with the rule of law, human dignity and fundamental rights of all persons.

Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC Borno), who seconded the motion, said Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement should be citizenship driven, primarily on the interest of Nigerians.

Sen. Babangida Hussaini (APC-Jigawa), called for the strengthening of the nation’s foreign policies to deal with the issue of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) said Nigeria should severe its relationship with South Africa, this he said would send a strong signal to South Africans.

Senate in its further resolution condemned in the strongest terms the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

It also urged Foreign Affairs Ministry and Diaspora Commission to strengthen emergency consular arrangement for Nigerians.

It called for a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of businesses and property, for legal redress, restitution and compensation.

Senate urged the federal government to engage other affected African countries, relevant organs of African Union to establish effective early-warning, accountability mechanism for preventing xenophobic violence and protection of African migrants.

It directed Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations to review implementation of Senate resolutions and previous Nigeria/South Africa bilateral commitments.

It directed the committee to report back to the Senate within two legislative weeks on the measures taken, assurances obtained and outstanding actions required. (NAN)

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