President Muhammadu Buhari
The Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development (AIED) has
advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to put all options on the
table in dealing with the unending xenophobic attacks against Nigerians
in South Africa.
The organization in a statement on Tuesday signed by its Director
of Media and Publicity, O’Seun John, condemned the targeted harassment,
killings and destruction of Nigerian business in South Africa allegedly
aided by the South African government.
According to the statement, “We have taken time to study
various reports of the xenophobic attacks against nationals of African
countries and India in South Africa and we have come to the conclusion
that these attacks are not only intentional and unprovoked but that they
are being carried out with tactical approval of the South African
government.
“In any country around the world, the deliberate targeting of
citizens of another country and killing of same is a concise invitation
to war.
“We implore the Nigerian Government to take off the kid-gloves
and stand firm to protect its citizens and the pride of the country.
“The Nigerian Government should as a matter of urgency begin
the process of nationalizing all assets and businesses of South African
interest in the country.
“Furthermore, the Federal Government should convey an emergency
meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to consider all available military
options and break all diplomatic ties with South Africa.
“In the interim, the government should start an emergency
evacuation process of all Nigerians and assets in South Africa, recall
the Nigerian Ambassador to the country and send the South African
diplomats in Nigeria back home.
“This time, it is important Nigeria is decisive and firm with
its decision. It must not only be known to bite but be seen to bite as
well.