South Africa: Why we are recalling Nigeria’s High Commissioner – FG

The Federal Government has clarified that it is only recalling
the country’s High Commissioner in South Africa for consultation,
over the recent escalated xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in
that country.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,
offered the explanation on Thursday on Channels Television’s live
programme “Politics Today’’, monitored by the News Agency of
Nigeria

The minister reiterated the position of his Foreign Affairs
counterpart, Geoffrey Onyema, that the high commissioner’s recall
for consultation would be after the President’s Special Envoy has
returned from South Africa.

He recalled that as parts of efforts to decisively deal with the
attacks, President Muhammadu Buhari dispatched a special envoy to
convey to his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, his
concern and interact with him.

He said the president would also be addressing the nation on the
matter after the return of the special envoy to the country.

The minister said that the plan to evacuate Nigerians who are
willing to return home from South Africa was a private initiative,
which was welcomed by the federal government.

The minister said besides boycotting the World Economic Forum on
Africa being hosted by South Africa, the government is considering
other measures to keep Nigerians in South Africa safe.

He therefore enjoined Nigerians not to resort to self-help by
attacking South African businesses in Nigeria.
Mohammed also alerted Nigerians to the fake video clips being
circulated on the social media purportedly showing how Nigerians
are being killed in South Africa.

He said the fake video clips are meant to inflame passions and
complicating government efforts to calm frayed nerves at home.

(NAN)

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