By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives has constituted an ad-hoc committee to work alongside its Committee on Foreign Affairs to address the growing cases of xenophobic attacks and killing of Nigerians in South Africa.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary yesterday by Donald Ojogo.
Adopting the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu called for urgent diplomatic intervention to stem the disturbing trend.
In his lead debate, Ojogo lamented the ugly situation, noting that Nigerians and South Africans have had a long lasting bilateral relationship.
Condemning the death of two Nigerians, the lawmaker called for the support of his colleagues for immdiate measures to tackle the incidents.
Ojogo also described the incidents as very shocking and unacceptable, emphasising the need to arrest the problem sqarely.
He also told the House that the repeated attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa had continued to generate palpable fear and outrage, warning that the situation could worsen if decisive diplomatic steps are not urgently taken.
The lawmaker equally alleged the involvement of some security agencies in the incidents, even as he expressed concerns over the safety and protection of Nigerians in that country.
He warned that continued attacks on Nigerian citizens in South Africa could negatively affect the long-standing diplomatic relationship between both African nations, especially considering Nigeria’s significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle and its support for South Africa during its years of oppression.
Several lawmakers who spoke during the debate strongly condemned the killings and urged the federal government to take stringent measures to protect Nigerians in foreign countries.
The House also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant diplomatic missions to demand justice for the victims and ensure that those responsible are made to answer questions for their actions.
Conclusively, the House mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to immediately engage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pursue diplomatic measures aimed at preventing further attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
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