Akpabio, however, noted that the Senate views the reported xenophobic attacks on Nigerians as serious and will address the matter with the urgency it deserves.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has rejected the suggestion that Nigeria should invoke economic retaliation against South Africa over the persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians.
He made his views known recently while responding to a call by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to revoke the operational licences of South African companies in the country.
Speaking during a debate on the Senate floor, Oshiomhole called for a tougher response, urging the Federal Government to consider sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to shed tears,” he said.
“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle.”
The former Edo State Governor further argued that Nigeria must respond firmly, adding that companies such as MTN and MultiChoice could be affected if hostilities continue.
“We hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” Oshiomhole added.
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Responding, Akpabio said that rather than taking such a step, Nigeria should consider diplomatic engagement to resolve the crisis, adding that this would be the best option in the interest of both countries.
While dismissing suggestions of economic retaliation, he said: “My stand on this matter is not the action of revoking any licence. We are not going to touch any businesses of South Africa, and we won’t touch any business of any country.”
Akpabio added: “We believe strongly that with diplomatic engagements, these issues will be resolved.”
He went on to stress that Nigeria would not ignore the killings and attacks against its citizens abroad.
“But at the same time, we demand justice for those who have been killed, we demand reparations, we demand compensation. What has been done is unacceptable, not just to Nigeria but to the international community,” he said.
According to him, the Senate views the situation with gravity and will work with the House of Representatives to develop “very actionable plans” to address the crisis.
Consequently, the Senate resolved to constitute a joint ad hoc committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to address the rising cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The committee, to be led by the Chairman of the National Assembly, will undertake a fact-finding and diplomatic visit to South Africa aimed at finding lasting solutions to the crisis.
As part of its mandate, the delegation is expected to visit the South African Parliament to formally express Nigeria’s strong displeasure over the reported attacks.
The Senate also plans to write to the Speaker of the South African Parliament, as well as invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on the outcomes of their engagements.
The upper chamber also upheld a resolution by Senator Simon Lalong calling for a review of the resolutions reached during a 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa, with a view to ensuring their implementation.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance raised by Senator Bassey, titled: “Intensifying Xenophobic Persecution of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana: A Call for Urgent National, Diplomatic and Humanitarian Action to Defend the Dignity, Safety and Honour of Nigerian Citizens.”
