A civil rights organisation, One Africa Initiative, has threatened to embark on reprisal against South Africa investments in Nigeria and its Embassy in Abuja if the xenophobia attacks on migrants and migrant workers continue unchecked.
The group tabled their demands during a protest march on Monday in Abuja to some offices owned by South African citizens, including MTN Nigeria, DSTv and South African Embassy.
The protesters also stormed the United States Embassy to present their grievances on the unfortunate and lingering development in South Africa to the embassy.
They were led by the convener of OAI, Paul Edeh; Founder/President of Brekete Family, Ahmad Isah; PMAN Ambassador and gospel Artiste, Phil Roberts.
Others in the protest included Jakins Yusuf, Dorathy Joseph and Favour Johnson.
According to them, Nigeria contributed its resources to the actualisation of the freedom the South Africans are enjoying at the moment.
OAI, as part of its requests, demanded that victims of Xenophobic attacks in South Africa should be paid full compensation while their status remains.
Both the management of MTN and DSTv condemned the attacks and advocated equality and freedom for all Africans living in the former apartheid enclave.
The statement, which was distributed among journalists, read, “Perhaps some of those perpetuating this crime against humanity have forgotten the role Nigeria played towards their independence. They have forgotten so quickly that South Africans also live in Nigeria and also have huge investments.
“Ironically, no Nigerian has attacked MTN, DSTV, Shoprite and many more, which are all South African-owned companies since they commenced business in Nigeria.”
OAI warned the South African High Commissioner in Nigeria to mediate in the ugly development or risk being harassed and embarrassed by Nigerian citizens.
“We are one Africa and together we fought slavery and we conquered. We are one Africa and together we fought colonialism and we conquered. We are one Africa and together we fought apartheid in South Africa and we conquered. We are one Africa and together we will fight xenophobic attacks on Africans and together, we will conquer,” the group said. Punch
