Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated Nigeria’s strong opposition to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Speaking in Luanda, Angola, after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), Shettima said Nigeria would no longer tolerate the dehumanisation of its citizens.
In a statement by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said Nigeria remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement with South Africa.
However, he warned that the country would continue to make its position clear whenever the dignity and safety of Nigerians are threatened.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. 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.
Call For Protection Of Nigerians
Shettima added: “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 explained that Nigeria believes in robust conversations with South Africa but insisted that certain situations must be addressed firmly.
The Vice President condemned the attacks and urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity in enforcing immigration policies.
He said Nigeria would continue to push for peaceful solutions but would not remain silent when its citizens are mistreated.
Shettima has since departed Luanda for Nigeria after attending the AU summit.
His remarks reaffirm Nigeria’s longstanding role in defending African unity and protecting its citizens abroad.
