You Can’t Be Killing Our People While Your Business Flourish In Nigeria – Lawan Tells South Africa High Commissioner

Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan has spoken on a tense diplomatic meeting with South African officials over repeated attacks on Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa.

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Naija News reports that Lawan shared this during plenary on Tuesday where he recounted how Nigerian leaders responded when xenophobic violence was at its peak.

He said the National Assembly at the time took direct steps by engaging representatives of the South African government.

Lawan explained that he called a meeting with the South African High Commissioner in Nigeria during the period of unrest. He said the message delivered at the meeting was clear that the killing of Nigerians had gone too far, especially while South African businesses continued to operate in Nigeria without issues.

“Mr President I invited the South African High Commissioner here. Those who were in attendance could remember what happened particularly Orji Uzor Kalu who was then the Chief Whip. I told him to his face, enough is enough, you can’t be killing our people while your businesses flourish here”,

He added that Nigeria was unhappy with how often its citizens were targeted even though both countries maintained strong trade and diplomatic relations.

According to him, there was an expectation that South African authorities would do more to protect foreign nationals and prevent further attacks.

Lawan also said such incidents place strain on relations between both countries and affect the idea of unity within Africa.

He stressed that African nations need to treat one another with respect and ensure the safety of people living across different borders.