National Patron Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, Calls on Tinubu to Take Decisive Action

The National Patron of the Nigerian Law Society and Chairman of ANOG Group, Dr. Sami Charles, has condemned in strong terms the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa particularly targeting Nigerians.

In a statement he personally signed, Dr. Sami Charles expressed deep concern over the wanton attacks on Nigerians without traceable crimes linked to them but on the sole basis that they are Nigerians. According to him, the situation is becoming chaotic and condemnable, and he called on relevant authorities to act fast in order to arrest the situation.

Dr. Sami Charles lamented the fact that despite the sacrifices made by Nigerians during the apartheid era, South Africa could behave this way towards citizens that once saved them. He said, “It is a shame that a nation that Nigeria stood for in the past would turn against those that supported them.”

He called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive actions to safeguard Nigerians in South Africa or possibly advise them to return home. He also urged the Nigerian government to consider diplomatic measures including the expulsion of South Africans from Nigeria.

On the violence in Mali, Dr. Sami Charles described the killing of the defence minister as barbaric and unjust, signalling that it was externally sponsored. He also praised Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso for his efforts at national development and called on African leaders to reject any form of division, violence and foreign interference as they work towards peace and sustainable development in their countries.