The President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Dr. Meshach Nwankwo, has warned that the association will begin lawful actions against South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria if the South African government fails to address concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians within one week.
Speaking in a video broadcast on the NewsCenturyTV YouTube channel on Monday, Nwankwo condemned what he described as persistent attacks on Nigerians residing in South Africa and urged the country’s authorities to take firm and lasting action.
“We will also begin lawful action to ensure that South African-based businesses in Nigeria are shut down, and our headquarters will be relocated to the South African High Commission in Nigeria so the South African government takes definitive, comprehensive, lasting measures against this cancer that is threatening the lives and future of Nigerians in South Africa,” he said.
Nwankwo stated that the association could no longer remain silent over the reported treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens must be protected.
“The National Association of University Students unequivocally condemns every act of xenophobia, hate speech and violence directed against Nigerians and indeed against any African living lawfully within another African nation,” Nwankwo stated.
According to him, Africa’s progress depends on “unity, mutual respect and shared prosperity,” adding that “there is absolutely no place for hatred or violence amongst brothers and sisters on our continent.”
He called on the South African government to thoroughly investigate reports of attacks, intimidation and incitement targeting Nigerians and ensure that anyone found responsible faces justice in accordance with the law.
Nwankwo also appealed to the South African High Commission in Nigeria to obtain assurances from its government regarding the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.
He warned that if the concerns raised by the association remain unresolved after one week, NAUS would intensify its response through peaceful and lawful means.
“Should these concerns remain inadequately addressed within one week from this press statement, we reserve the constitutional rights to mobilise peaceful and lawful advocacy, including peaceful demonstrations and other democratic engagements in defence of the dignity and safety of Nigerian students and citizens.”
His remarks come amid renewed reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where Nigerians have repeatedly been among those affected.
