Atiku Knocks Tinubu Over ‘Slow’ Response to South Africa Xenophobia Crisis

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as the Federal Government’s delayed response to renewed anti immigrant tensions in South Africa, accusing the administration of failing to show leadership in protecting Nigerians abroad.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said it was embarrassing that Nigeria had to “follow the lead” of Ghana, which he said moved swiftly to evacuate more than 300 of its citizens affected by the latest wave of xenophobic threats.

According to the former vice president, Nigeria’s response reflected what he called the “sluggish and underwhelming” posture that has become a trademark of the current administration.

“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria, a country that prides itself as the leader of the Black world and the giant of Africa, once again found itself reacting instead of leading in a moment of continental crisis,” the statement read.

Atiku said while smaller African countries acted with urgency and compassion by issuing advisories and activating emergency measures for their nationals, Nigeria appeared hesitant despite its citizens being frequent targets of xenophobic violence in South Africa over the years.

He questioned why the Federal Government allegedly waited until other countries had taken decisive steps before responding to the situation.

“Yes, the government has now spoken. Yes, repatriation talks have been mentioned. But the critical question remains: why did it take external pressure and the decisive action of others before Nigeria found its voice?” he asked.

The former vice president lamented that Nigerians in South Africa had repeatedly suffered intimidation, harassment, destruction of businesses, and violent attacks, while official responses remained largely diplomatic and bureaucratic.

He said a responsible government must prioritise the protection of its citizens wherever they reside, warning that delayed action sends the wrong signal about the value placed on Nigerian lives.

Atiku further urged the Federal Government to go beyond what he termed “half measures” by issuing a stronger travel advisory, facilitating evacuation arrangements for willing Nigerians, intensifying diplomatic engagement with South African authorities, and pushing for a continental framework through the African Union to tackle recurring xenophobic violence.

He also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demonstrate greater urgency and competence in responding to crises involving Nigerians abroad.