How to end xenophobia

There have been growing tension in Nigeria and other African countries in recent times concerning the xenophobic rascality in South Africa. It isn’t new that natives in South Africa have been killing foreigners that settled in South Africa. Most of the victims of the xenophobic brutality are Nigerians. For that, there have reactions from nations whose citizens were killed. In Ghana, there was a report of killings of over 20 South Africans in response to the xenophobia.

Similar instance was recorded in Zimbabwe where many South Africans were killed, a showcase of grievance against the xenophobic attack. Nigeria, being the most affected area is not an exception. Businesses owned by South Africans were attacked. In Ibadan, Oyo state, we heard the tragic story of some young Nigerians who set MTN Nigeria’s office ablaze. In Kano, we had the reports of the closure of Shoprite, in Akure and Lagos there was the closure of Standbic IBTC and Standard Chartered banks.

Thus, Nigeria’s reaction to xenophobic rascality must not negate South Africa’s economic platform or any of its political gains. Destruction of MTN or DSTV offices and other business enterprises of SA in Nigeria is wrong. It could preferably be by way of our government capacity to engage the SA government. Understanding is what we are lacking and what we need, therefore, we have to work for it.

We must continue to uphold our core values in line with the stand of the National Orientation Agency. We must have to demonstrate maturity and greatness in the showcase of our grievances. We must respect intervention of other communities who have been our business friends and indeed, economic promoters that stand to beg us over the misgivings of the SA. We must accept SA’s apology to attest to the world of our stand as leaders of Africa in symbolism and actualities of our actions.

Brutal reactions to South Africa must be reserved while other workable strategies are adopted for effectiveness, expanding partnership, respect, cohesion and greater good be among our localities. We should continue to draw lessons from the previous instances, even as we remain committed to working out best modalities to address the lingering issue. We must remain a united Nigeria.

We must be obliged to pursuing healthy continental unity and peace.

We must resist any attempt to disgrace Nigeria and Nigerians anywhere on earth and most importantly demonstrate our likeness of collective living. Nigeria is the home of all Africans, we are the big mother and thereby should be moved by the desire to integrate and promote territorial harmony.

Ejeh Ifeyinwa Angela,

University of Maiduguri

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