Lagos – Human Rights Lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), on Tuesday said the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa should be recalled over the ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners.
This is contained in a statement by a law firm, Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), in Lagos.
Agbokoba, a renowned maritime lawyer, in the statement condemned the attacks which had been ongoing, saying that the development could strain both countries’ relationship.
“The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa should be recalled; our Foreign Minister should summon the South African Commissioner in Nigeria to convey our disappointment with the behaviour of some South Africans.
“The South African Government must know that xenophobic behaviour of its people is not acceptable to Nigerians.
“It will have the gravest consequences for Nigerian-South African relations; unless they stop their inexcusable behaviour,‘’ the statement said.
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It said that Nigerians condemned in the strongest possible terms the unwarranted and unprovoked attack on Nigerians in South Africa.
The statement said there could be no excuse for the outrageous behaviour, especially in the context of good relations between South Africa and Nigeria.
It quoted the maritime lawyer as saying that Nigeria’s support for South Africa toward their independence should not be rewarded with such treatment.
“Nigeria stood by their South African brothers and sisters at their greatest hour of need during the apartheid years and this is no way to repay us,’’ It said.
The statement expressed shock that President Jacob Zuma of South Africa had not made a clear statement, adding that the Nigerian Government’s response should be stronger. (NAN)