Xenophobia is an affront on African unity – Senator Uba Sani

Senator representing Kaduna Central, Uba Sani, has described the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa as an affront on African unity.

In a statement, he condemned the attacks on Nigerians and their businesses, saying it betrayed the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, strengthened by “the frontline role played by Nigeria in the apartheid struggle”.

He said the seeming nonchalance of the South African authorities has reinforced the perception in informed circles that there may indeed be complicity from the highest level” stressing that the message for South Africa must be “loud and clear,” that Nigerian lives matter.

“Henceforth no country or people must be allowed to harass, humiliate or intimidate our people. The principle of reciprocity must be applied in our dealings with other nations and their people,” the senator warned.

Sani however commended Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan for condemning in strong terms the xenophobic attacks while applauding President Muhammadu Buhari for dispatching a special envoy to the South African President and directing the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister to summon the South African Ambassador to Nigeria.