Nigerians in South Africa have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a successor to the recalled Consular General, Mr Abdul Malik Ahmed, whose priority would be to limit the travails of Nigerians in that country.
Nigerians, under the aegis of Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), made the appeal on Wednesday in a statement by the union’s President, Mr Collins Mgbo, and e-mailed from Pretoria.
“We would like to humbly appeal to your Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a successor who is people-oriented, and whose priority would be to limit by all means necessary the travails of Nigerians in the Republic of South Africa.
“The union would like to use this medium to express gratitude to the Nigerian government and President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to our cry concerning the illegalities at the Consulate General of Nigeria, Johannesburg,’’ he alleged.
“We long for a true compatriot and seasoned democrat who will not just be friendly to the Nigerian community but whose priority will be centered on the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
“We also want to use this moment to appeal to your good office to eliminate those anti-people policies instituted by the immediate past Consul General which includes but not limited to illegal charges on consular services and Passport facilitation in particular and division among Nigerians in South Africa.
“We humbly request that you advise the incoming Consul General to remove all the charges imposed by his predecessor.
“Nigeria union is willing to work with any Diplomat assigned to Nigerian Mission in South Africa and anywhere in the world whose intent and purposes revolves on the willingness to sympathise with the predicament experienced by Nigerians on a daily basis in South Africa and the welfare of the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at large.’’
Mgbo said NUSA’s primary objective is the welfare of Nigerians, therefore, anyone with the same philosophy would be an added advantage not just to Nigerians in South Africa but Nigeria as a State at large.
He explained that a happy Nigerian community anywhere in the world is an actor and contributor toward a developed Nigerian economy.
“We appreciate you once again for listening to our cry in South Africa. May God bless Nigerians in South Africa and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
