Abuja – Some members of the National Assembly have expressed optimism that the visit of South African President, Jacob Zuma, would end xenophobic attacks against other Africans in South Africa.
The lawmakers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after Zuma’s address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday that the visit was a welcome development.
They said that his presence was an indication that South Africa appreciated Nigeria’s contribution in the fight against Apartheid and a strong sign that his government would protect Nigerians.
Sen. Yusuf Yusuf (APC-Taraba Central) said that beyond protecting Nigerians living in South Africa, Zuma’s visit would enhance the Nigerian economy in many areas, especially security, commerce and communication.
He also said that the visit would boost cooperation between Nigerian and South African parliaments.
“President Zuma’s visit shows a good cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa and it is for the first time that the President of South Africa is coming to the National Assembly.
“On the Xenophobic attacks in the country, I believe that dialogue is the best way to move every nation forward and that is what this visit I believe will avail the two countries,’’ he said.
Similarly, Sen. Fatima Raji-Rasaki (PDP-Ekiti Central) said insinuations that Zuma’s visit was to garner support to stop impeachment moves against him was not tenable.
According to her, his visit has nothing to do with the impeachment move against him because the country has internal mechanism to adequately handle such issue.
Rather, she said “ the visit shows commitment of the two countries to develop Africa.
“ I thank God that South Africa did not forget the role that Nigeria played during Apartheid.
“I don’t think his visit is because of any impeachment move, because in a democratic setting you agree to disagree.
“ Even during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time, there were several moves to impeach him; so, I think Zuma’s coming is to further strengthen the relationship of his country with Nigeria.’’
On his part, Sen. Ali Wakili (APC-Bauchi South) urged the South African leader to go beyond making promises, particularly with regard to the safety of Nigerians in his country.
He pointed out that while South Africans in Nigeria were not being harassed, it behoved Zuma to ensure that Nigerians in his country were not marginalised by any group under any guise.
“The visit shows the place of the Nigerian state in the historical development of South Africa, especially with regard to the liberation struggle.
“We contributed not only money and if you look at what the South African companies in Nigeria are taking out of the country, you will agree with me that there must be reciprocity.
“ MTN is here, Multichoice is here, Shoprite is here and Jacob Zuma said there are over 120 South African companies in Nigeria.
“The question is how many Nigerian companies are in South Africa. Our people in South Africa are complaining that they are being marginalised.
“So whatever Zuma said at the chamber must be translated into action so that Nigerians will be given sense of belonging in South Africa,’’ he said.
Zuma is on a two-day state visit in Nigeria and he is accompanied by his ministers of trade and Industry, international relations, defence, home affairs, and mineral resources as well as captains of industry. (NAN)
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