NLC Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

NLC Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa
  • Tiwa Savage, Basketmouth boycott South African shows

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the recent Xenophobic attacks by some irate South Africans against Nigerians and the burning of their shops as utterly reprehensible.

Following the attacks, superstar singer, Tiwa Savage and comedian, Basketmouth, have pulled out of their shows in South Africa.

In a statement issued wednesday by its President, Ayuba Wabba, the NLC said that such incidents were capable of undermining the illustrious bilateral relations between the government and people of Nigeria and the government and people of South Africa.

“We at the Nigeria Labour Congress condemn in strongest terms, the attacks on businesses and killings of Nigerians by South Africans in South Africa. These attacks and killings are beastly and unacceptable,” it said.

NLC said that the frequency and escalation of these attacks were not only reprehensible but may damage the cordial relations between both countries.

It said that it would hold the South African government squarely responsible for failing in its duty to protect or safeguard the lives and property of foreign nationals, especially Nigerians who have been subject of attacks over time.

“Accordingly, we demand an immediate end to these killings and destruction of properties.

“We demand for appropriate compensation and an assurance that this will never happen again not only to Nigerians but all foreign nationals in South Africa,” it said.

However, the NLC advised Nigerians against taking vengeful actions under the circumstances but to await the outcome of the intervention by the federal government, on the matter.

“However, as despicable as these attacks are, we will advise against crude retaliatory measures such as the burning down of perceived South African businesses in Nigeria, for in reality, some of those businesses are owned by Nigerians.

“We therefore appeal to Nigerians to leave this matter to the Nigerian government which has acted properly by despatching an envoy to South Africa to express its displeasure as well as table its demands,” the NLC said.

Meanwhile, superstar singer, Tiwa Savage, has pulled out of her upcoming performance in South Africa following the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

Reacting to the attacks, Tiwa, who was billed to perform at the DStv delicious festival on September 21 announced that she was boycotting the show in protest.

Meanwhile, comedian Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth has also cancelled his appearance at the upcoming Comic Choice Awards in South Africa.

He made the announcement via his Instagram page @basketmouth, he wrote: “I am not sure how and when we got here.

“I won’t be attending the Comic Choice Awards this weekend in South Africa as scheduled.

“It might sound like a whisper but together, our voices and the right actions will make a true difference and real change can begin. But for today, together we stand,” he said.

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