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The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) on Sunday commended the Federal Government for taking concrete steps against xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, CLO Chairman, Anambra State Chapter spoke to the newsmen in Enugu on measures taken by the government to tackle the problem.
“ We commend the federal government through President Muhammadu Buhari for the decision to boycott the ongoing World Economic Summit in solidarity and sympathy with hundreds of Nigerians killed in South Africa.
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“We also applaud the government for its decision to temporarily recall Nigeria Ambassador to South Africa for explanations and sending a special envoy to get on-the-spot assessment on the issue,’’ Ezekwueme said.
He said that the actions would assuage the anger of the people over the killings since the South African government has done nothing to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the act to serve as deterrent to others.
“There should be no sacred cows, silence means consent. Adequate compensations must be paid to families of those who lost their lives and properties.
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“ Also, the South Africa government should tender an unreserved apology to Nigeria and its people with s a promise never to continue with killing..
“South Africa must reciprocate and appreciate the sacrifices made by Nigerians and its government toward eradication of apartheid and election of Nelson Mandela as President in 1994.
“if Mandela is alive today, the impunity and inhumanity against Nigerians will not happened,’’ he said.
The CLO boss recalled that his organisation had earlier appealed to the South African government to prosecute perpetrators and put an end to incessant killings.
He also called for the establishment of Nigeria in Diaspora Welfare Committee in every country, noting that with such a committee, the recent condemnable incidences would have being averted.
He advised Nigerians in Diaspora to respect the laws, cultures, traditions and constitutions of their host countries and be good ambassadors of the country.
He urged aggrieved Nigerians should not take laws into their hands but rather be tactful, civil, dynamic and diplomatic in seeking amicable and permanent solution to the problem.
