Onofiok Luke condemns attack on Nigerians in SA, calls on FG to be more responsive
…..The Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the National Assembly Hon. Onofiok Luke has condemned recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, calling on the federal government to act more proactively to ensure the safety of Nigerians abroad.
Hon. Luke spoke on Tuesday while reacting to a matter of urgent public importance brought to the floor of the House by Hon. Dachong Bagos representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency.
“My people have told me to lend my voice in condemnation of this act against Nigerians ” Hon Luke said.
Luke who is also the Chairman House Committee of Federal Judiciary, commended the mover of the motion and the leadership of the House for measures taken to ensure that the legislature address issues concerning harassment of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
He specifically lauded the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, whose airline lifted Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa without charge.
He said it is sad that the attack is happening at a time the continent should be positioning for a higher economic objective such as that which is captured in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement signed in Kagali, Rwanda on 21 March 2018. He decried the economic implications of xenophobia for the African common market initiative. He said for a common market in Africa to be achieved, people must be free and must feel secure to do business anywhere on the continent without fear of attack.
The Akwa Ibom lawmaker urged the House to liaise with the South African parliament to see how it can collaborate in addressing the issue.
Hon. Luke advised that government should create an enabling environment for its citizens and their businesses to thrive so as to reduce the rate at which Nigerians seek greener pastures outside the shores of their fatherland.
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