President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), on Saturday said he is in full support of all the steps taken so far by President Goodluck Jonathan to protect Nigerians from the wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a statement released in Abuja, yesterday, Buhari commended Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Pretoria for the steps he took, advising the Nigerian business community in South Africa to close shop, stay indoors and keep out of trouble.
He also asked them to obey the laws of their host country.
“We equally understand that the South African government is making efforts to bring an end to this unfortunate situation,” the president-elect said. “In the meantime, Nigerians in South Africa should abide by the words of caution extended them by their government representative in Pretoria”. Buhari commended the government for its decision to evacuate Nigerians at any sign of escalation.
“I am happy to see that the Nigerian government is very well aware of its responsibilities to its citizens in South Africa,” he said.
He, however, expressed sadness over the unfortunate development that has affected Nigerians even as he recalled Nigeria and South Africa’s friendly relations since the end of apartheid.
In the same vein, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, describing the action as provocative and completely unacceptable.
In a statement, yesterday, by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians in South Africa.
Buhari has nothing to offer on this matter,this ongoing xenophobic attacks were not as result of nit obeying the laws in South Africa but harsh economic climate and un-employment.
The ongoing attacks are not targeted against Nigerians but to all foreigners in S.A,please someone should tell what Nigerian Govdid that Buhari is totally in support.
We have High commission in S.A did they evacuate Nigerians in the troubled areas to our Embassy or to safe areas?
I expect the president elect to be on retreat now to articulate the direction and composition of his incoming Govt instead making all these hollow comments on issues that he can offer nothing extra on.