‘We Helped Liberate You’ — Shettima Tackles S/Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

Vice President Kashim Shettima has again condemned the continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Shettima reminded the country of Nigeria’s role in the liberation struggle in Southern Africa.

The VP said Nigeria would no longer accept the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa.

He, however, noted that the Federal Government was open to pursuing dialogue with South Africa to address the concerns.

The Vice President spoke to newsmen in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

“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,” Shettima said.

He 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.

“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.”

Shettima also urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity while enforcing the country’s immigration policies.

He stressed that Nigeria remained committed to resolving its concerns with South Africa through peaceful engagement.