Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, warning that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the humiliation or dehumanization of its citizens.
Shettima spoke 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 its concerns with South Africa through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
However, he stressed that the Federal Government would continue to speak out forcefully 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, recalling Nigeria’s historic role in supporting the liberation struggles of Southern African countries.
He said Nigerians were deeply pained by reports of their compatriots being subjected to humiliation, insisting that such treatment was unacceptable.
“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.
While urging restraint to prevent tensions from escalating, Shettima called for “very robust conversations” between Nigeria and South Africa.
He also appealed to South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity in the enforcement of immigration laws. The Vice President has since departed Luanda for Nigeria.
