Xenophobic attack: Reps ask FG to send high power delegation

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the federal government to send a high power delegation to the government of South Africa with strong worded message, reminding them of the consequences of the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerian citizens and the likely resultant repercussions.

The House resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Rita Orji who condemned the xenophobic attack on Nigerians living in the country.

According to her, in the last 10 days, violence has broken out in Pretoria West Rossettensville and other districts where residents looted and set the homes of foreigners on fire; many of them were Nigerians.

The lawmaker also said that at least 10 houses belonging to mostly Nigerians were set ablaze, stressing that, “incidents of police inactions have also been reported, thus leaving the foreigners at the mercy of their attackers”.

She noted that, “attacking someone because they are different or being suspected of any crime is immoral, illegal, criminal, and definitely leaves a huge moral strain on the records of South Africa as a country.”

Some of the lawmakers that contributed to the motion also asked the House to explore inter parliamentary avenue to deal with the issue at hand.

When the motion was put to vote by the Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara was supported by majority of the lawmakers present.