NED NWOKO CONDEMNS ATTACK ON NIGERIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA, URGES AGAINST BACKLASH ON SA INVESTMENTS

A former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ned Nwoko, has expressed shock and dismay over the wave of violent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, resulting in deaths.

In a statement in Abuja, Honourable Nwoko, who represented  the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, condemned the reported killings of Nigerian immigrants and the  destruction of their properties by South Africans.

Prince Nwoko noted that the loss of lives of innocent Nigerians at home or abroad was unacceptable and regrettable, describing the mayhem on foreigners particularly Nigerians by suspected South African hoodlums as unwarranted, barbaric and criminal.

Recalling history, Nwoko stated that the xenophobic attacks by South Africans were manifestations of ingratitude and lack of good neighborliness against the monumental sacrifice and contributions of Nigeria to the end of Apartheid in South Africa. 

The former lawmaker called for urgent action by the federal government to protect Nigerians and their properties in South Africa.

He particularly urged the federal authorities to initiate immediate bilateral engagement  with the  South African government to halt the atrocious assaults on Nigerians.

 According to Nwoko, ” the Nigerian government must engage the South African government to ensure that the culprits are punished and adequate compensation paid to those affected or the families of the deceased” 

The philanthropist,however, appealed to Nigerians to  shun all temptations of attacking South African investments in Nigeria.

” Businesses  such as MTN and Shoprite have nothing to do with these heinous acts by South African gangsters and we must be guided in our utterances and actions . The companies are partly owned by Nigerians and employ thousands of Nigerians” He added.

While condemning the spate of South African attacks against Nigerians, Prince Nwoko concluded that restraint by the citizens and firm diplomatic measures by the federal government would  checkmate the xenophobic violence.