XenophobiaInSouthAfrica: Hostility between Nigeria, South Africa endangers Africa ― Senator Nnamani

Former Enugu state governor and Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa (NEPAD) , Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has call for maturity on the part of Nigerian government in its immediate engagement with its  South African counterpart on the rising hostilities between the two countries  from the attacks and killings of Nigerians in the former apartheid nation.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, he recalled the laudable steps already taken by the federal government on the matter and urged that further approach needs to be adopted to forestall a recurrence.

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He said: “The attacks, maiming, burning and ultimately killing of Nigerian in South Africa is condemnable. This frenzy of wanton destruction, social displacement, loss of properties and means of livelihood is reprehensible.

“Immediate engagement of both nations is needed as soon as possible to stop it. And stop it in finally.

“I sincerely commiserate with families of the victims of the South Africa xenophobia. I hope that this will be the end of the attacks.”

Senator Nnamani who declared that Nigeria leadership status within the continent was indisputable, cautioned against reprisal action which he noted could exacerbate the situation.

“As the Big Brother Nigeria plays in Africa, we must stand on the high moral ground above South Africans to bring a solution to the problems”.

The former Enugu state governor, however, urged the government of South Africa to take responsibility to end xenophobic attacks saying that “Africa must work and stand up as one people”.

He noted that “Africa is already challenged by hunger, disease and poverty pointing out that confronting the continent with the crisis of xenophobia would further encumber her growth and development.”