The National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, yesterday, raised the alarm that South Africa was out to frustrate Nigeria’s fight against terrorism by seizing funds meant for arms purchase and blocking moves to procure arms for the ongoing campaign against terrorism.
The government said that the development might affect the fortunes of South African companies in the country currently enjoying favourable government policies in addition to Nigeria’s commitment to South Africa’s independence.
Spokesman of the NSA, Karounwi Adekunle, told our correspondent in Abuja that government was worried over the development which he said had become evident that South Africa was celebrating Nigeria’s present terrorism travail.
South Africa is believed to be a close rival of Nigeria on the African continent and was said to be interested in anything that could cause the fall of Nigeria.
This is in spite of the support that it had received from Nigeria over the years, especially in its (South Africa’s) trying times of apartheid.
The NSA, who said that “the rivalry is too clear and close for comfort”, disclosed that Nigerian government had continued to do everything possible to favour South Africa’s nationals and businesses in the country, but expressed disappointment at the manner that country was handling issues concerning Nigeria and Nigerians.
Asked if government believed that South Africa was out to rubbish Nigeria, he said: “That is exactly what it is. With the behaviour, what else can one say? They are happy with our problems of terrorism. We’ve done a lot for South Africa and we can mention them. Look at their companies thriving very fine in Nigeria. Government policy is favourable even though company like DSTV charges much more than other operators,” Adekunle said.
South African authorities were reported to have seized another $5.7m arms money from Nigeria.
This is coming barely three weeks after seizing $9.3m transported by two Nigerians and an Israeli purportedly for arms purchase. – National Mirror.
