Xenophobia: I was still in shocked on the attack on Nigerians ―Buhari

President Buhari on Friday said that he was shocked over the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. He described the attacks of foreign nationals in the country as an embarrassment to the African continent. 

President Buhari who stated this in Pretoria, when he met with Nigerians in the Diaspora in South Africa, advised them to always remember their country with skills, resources and talents, and work towards living decent and dignified lives that bring honour to their fatherland.

President Muhammadu Buhari with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South African during the visit of President Buhari to Pretoria, South Africa. PHOTO: NAN

Recall that President Buhari left Nigeria to South Africa on Wednesday after presiding over the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and to have a bilateral discussion with him.

He advised Nigerians in South Africa to be diligent, focused and resourceful in all their engagements, especially in improving their net worth through learning new skills, good education and building their networks positively. According to him, “First, you are our Ambassadors and the face of our country to the world wherever you are. The world is, therefore, watching you and would make judgments on Nigeria based on your comportment and actions.

He assured Nigerians that the South African authorities had expressed their apologies over the incidents and resolved to take necessary steps to end the ugly trend.

President Buhari also called on all Nigerians to be law-abiding and respect constituted authorities of other countries, urging “the  few that sometimes gives us a bad name, to desist from such misdemeanors and be our good ambassadors.’’

In his remark, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, commended the President for the maturity and diplomatic tact he used in resolving the challenge with the South African government.

He said the government had put in place a mechanism to ensure that the unfortunate incidents were never repeated again.

Members of the Nigerian community thanked the President for the visit, assuring him that they will be more careful in their dealings within the country, and work towards harmony at all times.

The leaders of various communities in South Africa, led by Ben Okoli, commended Chief Onyeama, for his quick intervention, and the historic roles the Nigerian High Commissioner, Amb. Kabir Bala and Consul General, Mr. Godwin Adama, played in protecting and providing for citizens.