By George Ozalla
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non Governmental Organisations, Senator Aniekan Etim Bassey, has assured Nigerian youths that the National Assembly is giving priority attention to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa following renewed concerns over persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The assurance was given when the Senator received a delegation of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) at the National Assembly, Abuja, following a formal letter submitted by the Forum notifying the Senate Committee of its position and ultimatum over the recurring attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Forum and National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Eze Onyebuchi, who thanked Senator Bassey for inviting the Forum for direct engagement, describing the meeting as an indication that the concerns of Nigerian youths were receiving attention at the highest legislative level.
Onyebuchi, however, said the Forum remained deeply disturbed by the continued killings, attacks, destruction of businesses and other acts of violence targeted at Nigerians and fellow Africans in South Africa.
According to him, the slow pace of action in addressing the plight of victims and the alleged complicity of the South African government have compelled the Forum to maintain its July 31 deadline, insisting that the ultimatum would not be withdrawn unless concrete actions are taken.
“We appreciate this invitation, Mr. Chairman. It shows that our voices are being heard. But appreciation must translate to action. On behalf of Nigerian youths across all political parties, I state clearly that the Forum’s position stands: the July 31 deadline remains. We expect to see concrete diplomatic, legal and protective measures for Nigerians in South Africa on or before that date,” he said.
The Forum called on the Federal Government to immediately adopt stronger diplomatic measures against the South African government to halt the attacks and ensure justice for affected Nigerians.
It also demanded adequate compensation and restitution for Nigerians who have lost loved ones, businesses and other means of livelihood as a result of the attacks, while urging the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria to strengthen consular services and provide greater protection for citizens in South Africa.
The youth leaders further appealed to the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene decisively in tackling Afrophobia and all forms of xenophobic violence across the African continent.
Responding, Senator Bassey commended the Forum for expressing its concerns through peaceful and democratic channels rather than resorting to violence.
He informed the delegation that the Federal Government had continued to take steps to address the situation through evacuation of affected Nigerians where necessary, provision of medical and financial assistance to victims, and sustained diplomatic engagements aimed at securing compensation and ensuring the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The lawmaker assured the Forum that the Senate Committee, working with relevant government agencies, would continue to press for decisive measures that would safeguard the lives, dignity and property of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by the youth leaders and pledged that the National Assembly would sustain oversight and engagement on the matter until tangible results are achieved.
The Forum, however, maintained that it would closely monitor developments and determine its next course of action after the expiration of the July 31 deadline if its demands are not met.
The position of the Forum was contained in a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Eze Onyebuchi, who is also the National Youth Leader of APGA, and made available to journalists by the Forum’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ozu Important, the National Youth Leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
