House of Reps threatens to frustrate SA businesses

The House of Representatives has threatened to frustrate South African interests in Nigeria if the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue.

The lawmakers, on Thursday, April 16, 2015, also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to recall Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa.

The discussions at the house were begun due to a motion proposed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa entitled: ‘Xenophobic Attacks on Africans in South Africa’.

“The recent attacks which have left many dead, businesses and shops vandalised, many beaten up mercilessly, was incited by a statement allegedly made by South African Zulu King, Goodwill. Zwelithini, who told African migrants to go home as they were no longer welcome in South Africa,” Ms Dabiri-Erewa said.

“Son of President Zuma, Edward, allegedly echoed the same statement which ignited a long debate and worse still immediate backlash of violent reactions among the Zulus in Kwazulu, who unleashed terror on foreigners including Nigerians in J’bourg, Durban and Pretoria. They steal, break into their homes, businesses, take their properties, killing them, 5 have been killed with hundreds stranded and unable to return,” she added.

In support for the motion, Friday Itulah from Edo, suggested the recall of the ambassador while Ahmed Datti from Kaduna, said: “I was surprised that one of their major companies here has increased tariff yet they are killing people in their country. We should invoke all our relevant laws to ensure that it is no longer business as usual for their business concerns in Nigeria.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali in addressing that matter urged Nigerians in SA to stay indoors adding that they would be evacuated if the situation worsens.