Xenophobia: ‘Suspend Diplomatic Relations’ – Senator Ningi Urges Nigeria

The Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ahmed Ningi has called on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic action against South Africa over the recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, urging the suspension of diplomatic relations until the safety of Nigerian citizens is guaranteed.

Speaking during plenary in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ningi criticised what he described as the government’s repeated reliance on statements of condemnation and caution, arguing that such responses have failed to stop the violence.

“What does the government mean by caution? Nigerians have been killed left, right and centre, and there has never been any action except to condemn these things by mouth. This xenophobic attack is not done by mouth; it is done physically,” he said.

The senator lamented the reported killings of Nigerians in South Africa, describing the attacks as brutal and unacceptable. According to him, victims have been attacked in their homes and businesses without provocation, while many others have been forced to flee.

“As we are talking today, over 1,200 Nigerians are already being evacuated. What does the government do? Caution. Caution what?” he asked.

Ningi argued that every Nigerian, regardless of their circumstances, deserves protection under international law.

“Are we not Nigerians? Don’t Nigerians deserve to live in other countries? Even if they are armed robbers or criminals, are they supposed to be killed in that manner?” he queried.

The lawmaker stressed that Nigeria’s longstanding foreign policy, which places Africa at its centre, should not prevent the country from taking firm measures against nations where Nigerians are repeatedly targeted.

“We must show Nigerians in the diaspora that we care. We must show that we have a government that can protect them. Talking and lamenting will not take us anywhere. There has to be action,” he said.

Calling for a decisive response, Ningi urged the Federal Government to downgrade or completely suspend diplomatic relations with South Africa as a signal that Nigeria would no longer tolerate attacks on its citizens.

“We are sending a signal. We can’t keep quiet. Enough is enough. Silence is no longer golden. A so-called giant of Africa cannot continue to watch its citizens being killed left, right and centre while all we do is caution,” he declared.

The senator further appealed to the Senate to formally communicate its position to the Federal Government, insisting that stronger diplomatic measures were necessary to protect Nigerians living abroad.