Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, saying Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens.
Shettima stated this on Monday in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The Vice President said Nigeria remained committed to resolving concerns with South Africa through dialogue and peaceful engagement but would continue to speak out whenever the safety and dignity of Nigerians were threatened.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble,” Shettima said.
He recalled Nigeria’s role in the struggle for the liberation of Southern African countries, stressing that the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa was particularly painful given the historical relationship between the two countries.
“We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation,” he said.
Shettima warned that the Federal Government would not accept situations in which Nigerians were subjected to degrading or unacceptable treatment.
“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations,” he said.
The Vice President, however, stressed that Nigeria preferred constructive engagement with South Africa rather than confrontation.
“But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while, you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out,” he said.
Shettima also urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity while enforcing the country’s immigration laws.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of its citizens abroad, particularly in situations involving discrimination and attacks.
The Vice President subsequently departed Luanda for Nigeria after concluding his engagements at the AU summit.