WE’LL NO LONGER TOLERATE DEHUMANISATION OF OUR CITIZENS — SHETTIMA
Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation, humiliation or mistreatment of its citizens, particularly in the face of recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
Shettima made the statement on Monday in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing 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 strongly condemned the treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, saying the Nigerian government would continue to defend the dignity and safety of its citizens.
According to Shettima, Nigeria remains committed to resolving its concerns with South Africa through dialogue and peaceful engagement. However, he stressed that diplomacy should not prevent Nigeria from speaking firmly whenever the rights and safety of its citizens are threatened.
Shettima recalled Nigeria’s historic role in supporting the liberation struggles across Southern Africa, saying Nigerians were therefore particularly pained by reports of their fellow citizens being subjected to humiliation.
“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,” the Vice President said.
He added that the situation had become unacceptable.
“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations,” Shettima stated.
Despite the strong warning, the Vice President said Nigeria was not seeking confrontation with South Africa.
He said both countries could resolve the matter through what he described as “very robust conversations,” while insisting that Nigeria would continue to make its position clear when situations become unacceptable.
“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,” he said.
Shettima also called on South African authorities to ensure that the enforcement of immigration laws was carried out with respect for human rights and dignity.
The latest warning comes after Nigeria raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa at the African Union.
The Nigerian government has maintained that South Africa has the right to enforce its immigration laws but insists that such enforcement must not involve violence, humiliation or degrading treatment of African nationals.
The Federal Government is now pushing for greater continental attention to the issue, arguing that xenophobia and Afrophobia threaten African unity and peaceful coexistence.
For many Nigerians, the latest remarks from Shettima represent one of the strongest warnings yet from the Federal Government over the treatment of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
The Vice President has, however, made it clear that Nigeria’s preferred approach remains diplomacy and engagement rather than confrontation.
Do you think Nigeria is doing enough to protect its citizens abroad? Share your thoughts in the comments.
