Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said many Nigerians facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa rejected efforts to bring them back home.
He spoke on Monday in Abuja at a dinner for Nigeria Democratic Congress aspirants. Obi said the response from some Nigerians abroad showed how deep Nigeria’s hardship has become.
He said he had spoken directly with Nigerians in South Africa and told them that if life worked well at home, many would not be abroad in the first place.
“I just came back last night from South Africa. You know what Nigerians are going through in South Africa and so many other African countries.”
“I finally addressed Nigerians. I told them that if we had things working in our country the way they should be, most of you wouldn’t be here.”
Obi said facilities were arranged for some of them to return, but many turned it down.
“If you don’t know, we provided facilities for them to come back. But most of them told me they would rather die there than come back. They said things are even worse at home.”
Talks With South African Leaders
Obi said he also met with political leaders and former South African President Thabo Mbeki to discuss better relations between South Africans and other African nationals.
He added that he had also spoken with three ministers who lead their own parties, in a bid to improve ties and reduce tension.
“I took time to sit down with three ministers who are leaders of their own parties to plead with them about how things can work between South Africans and other African nationals, and we had a very fruitful discussion.”
He said Nigerians face trouble in South Africa and in other countries too, while asking whether the Nigerian government has done enough for citizens abroad.
“It is not only in South Africa that Nigerians have problems, but they have problems in other countries. I have had the opportunity to speak to leaders in those countries.”
“I have had cause to ask them if our government has visited and the answer is no. If your country is not there for you, who will care for you? Is it an outsider?”
Nigeria’s Security Crisis
Obi also linked the plight of Nigerians abroad to the state of the country at home.
He said Nigeria’s past role in peacekeeping across Africa and beyond should not be compared with its current security weakness.
“Nigeria played a role in securing nations since the Second World War. We have been part of peacekeeping and commanded United Nations peacekeeping forces globally.”
“But today, Nigeria cannot secure itself. This is unacceptable.”
The remarks add to Obi’s regular criticism of governance, insecurity and the poor conditions that drive many Nigerians to seek safety and better lives outside the country.
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