The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for strong retaliatory measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole urged the Federal Government to revoke the licences of major South African-owned firms, including MTN and MultiChoice, owners of DSTV, as part of what he described as a reciprocal response.
His comments came as the National Assembly condemned the latest wave of attacks on Nigerians abroad and demanded urgent diplomatic action to protect citizens.
Addressing the chamber, Oshiomhole said Nigeria should respond firmly rather than only express sympathy over the situation.
He said:
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have d!ed. We didn’t come here to share tears.
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
The former Edo State governor further argued that Nigeria should consider nationalising MTN, claiming the company repatriates huge revenues while Nigerians continue to face discrimination abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should have Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.
He also called for the revocation of DSTV’s licence, accusing the company of economic exploitation.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he added.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso and presented by Senator Aniekan Bassey, focused on urgent diplomatic and humanitarian measures to protect Nigerians in South Africa amid rising tensions.
