Xenophobic attack: We’ll no longer tolerate dehumanization of our citizens – VP Shettima

The Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has warned that the Nigerian government and its people will no longer tolerate any form of dehumanisation of Nigerian citizens by any governmentin any part of the world. 

NigerianCulture Magazine

The Vice-President gave the warning while speaking to newsmen in Luanda, Angola on Monday, August 31.

He stated this while reiterating Nigeria’s strong opposition to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, insisting that the country will not condone mistreatment of its citizens.

In his words

“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation.

The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations.

But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out.”

VP Shettima, while condemning the xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity in the enforcement of the country’s immigration policies.

Recall that the Nigerian government had reported South Africa to the AU over xenophobic and afrophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African citizens in South Africa.