NANS threatens South African investments and citizens in Nigeria, issued a 7 days ultimatum

 The National Association of Nigerian Students has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the South African government within which it should stop the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the host country or risk attack on its investments.

The students’ body said it would attack South African business interests in Nigeria and make life difficult for South Africans resident in the country if the attacks on Nigerians in their country should continue.

A statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Public Relations Officer of NANS, Mr. Ezekiel Nwankwo, condemned the loss of lives and properties in the attacks.

Nwankwo’s statement read, “It is with sense of brotherhood that we are mandating the South African government to ensure an urgent solution to bring to an end this mysterious killing of our own citizens within the next seven days or will leave us with no alternative than to go against all the South African investments in our noble country, Nigeria.

“We will not stop at this but furthermore make all South African citizens uncomfortable in our country.”

The Federal Government had warned the South African government to stop the xenophobic attacks on migrants and migrant workers and that appropriate measures should be put in place to “prevent a reoccurrence.”

Also, the Nigerian Representative in the African Union – Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, has warned against reprisals with a call on African countries to unite against the xenophobic violence currently going on in South Africa.

A statement from the Public Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, condemning the attacks, which it claimed began two weeks ago, said Nigeria abhorred violence.

The statement read in part, “The people and government of Nigeria stand in solidarity with the rest of the world to condemn these unprovoked attacks on fellow Africans who have left their countries to seek greener pastures and better livelihood for themselves.

“The government of Nigeria would like to use this medium to reiterate its abhorrence of violence and also stand firm in its conviction that no cause could justify taking innocent souls.

“The Federal Government therefore calls on the government of South Africa to live up to its responsibilities and take all necessary steps to stop the ongoing xenophobic attacks and put in place policies and structures to prevent a reoccurrence.

Also, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Olusegun Adeyemi, on Sunday decried attacks on Nigerians and other Africans resident in South Africa.

The cleric reminded the South Africans involved in the attacks that nationals of many countries, especially Nigerians, fought for them against the apartheid regime and that it amounted to ingratitude for South Africans to be attacking other Africans in their country.

Adeyemi spoke in an interview with journalists during the closing ceremony of the 14th synod of the diocese in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He called on the South African government to investigate the attacks and make sure that foreigners in their country are not maltreated or attacked any more.

He also urged the Nigerian government to ensure that Nigerians in all parts of the world, especially now in South Africa, are protected against attacks and inhuman treatments.