By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect Nigerians in South Africa following the reported killing of two Nigerians amid renewed xenophobic attacks.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi.
Leading the debate, Gagdi urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner, demand an independent investigation into the killings, strengthen consular support for Nigerians in South Africa, and engage the African Union, SADC and the United Nations to ensure accountability.
Lawmakers commended the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa but insisted that stronger diplomatic, legal, and commercial measures were needed to hold the South African government accountable.
They also called for international justice and compensation for victims of the attacks.
During consideration of the motion, the House rejected a proposal to suspend diplomatic, political, and parliamentary relations with South Africa after the deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu ruled that diplomatic engagement should remain open.
Kalu, recalling Nigeria’s role in the anti-apartheid struggle, said diplomacy remains the best option for resolving the crisis. The motion was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further legislative action.
The House also condemned the reported incursion of Cameroonian soldiers into the Danare community in Cross River State.
The motion, sponsored by Victor Abah, urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve border disputes, establish permanent military bases in vulnerable border communities and implement the recommendations of the House ad hoc committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon border crisis.
