Editors condemn xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, others in South Africa

Editors condemn xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, others in South Africa

Sunday, March 19, 2017 4:53 pm


Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (4th left); President Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mrs. Funke Egbemode (middle); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega‎ Oyetola (3rd right); Member of Osun State Assembly Representing Egbedore Local Government, Honorable Abiodun Awolola (3rd left); Secretary General Nigeria Guild of Editors, Victoria Ibanga (2nd left); Publicity/Social Secretary Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Ken Ugbeche (left); Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon (3rd right); and others.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors at its first 2017 quarterly Standing Committee Meeting held in Osogbo, the State of Osun, deliberated on issues affecting the Guild and the Nation.

The Guild particularly condemned the continuous xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa and resolved thus:

That the Nigerian government should be more responsive in protecting her citizens in foreign countries. The government, should as a matter of national interest apply the country’s foreign policy of reciprocity that affects mutual relations between Nigeria and other countries.

The Editors are dismayed at the conspiratorial silence of Senior South African nationalists, who know the enormous contributions of Nigeria to the emergence of the Independent South Africa. The South African Institute of International Affairs records that Nigeria spent a whopping USD$61 billion between 1960 and 1995 in the fight against apartheid.

The Guild is not unmindful of the fact that South Africans are in Nigeria running successful businesses and, therefore, the violent actions of South Africans could push Nigerians into retaliation. Just as Nigerians are passionate about protecting their South African friends, they can also be passionate in protecting their own nationals.

The Guild, however, enjoined Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and continue to go about their legitimate businesses even in the face of provocation.

It appreciates the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the government and good people of the State of Osun, for their support in hosting the Editors’ Standing Committee Meeting.


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