MRS ABIKE DABIRI-EREWA CALLS FOR DRASTIC ACTION AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA FOLLOWING XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS

The Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Diaspora Affairs in Nigeria, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa on Friday called for drastic action by the Federal Government over the xenophobic attacks taking place in South Africa as well as treatment of Nigerians by South Africans. Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa was speaking as the Chairman of House of Representatives' Committee on Diaspora Affairs.
She said,
"We have asked that the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa be recalled for further consultation. This thing (xenophobic attack) is not just happening; it has been on for a long time. We cannot live in a state of denial.
"Two, further attacks must stop. (President Jacob) Zuma must ensure that there are no further attacks .
"Three, the principle of reciprocity must prevail. Mozambique has started retaliating with South Africans in their country.
"We don't have to get to that level, but at a stage we have to apply the principle of reciprocity.
Explaining further what she meant by reciprocity, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa said Nigeria should apply the same measure that South Africans are using on Nigerian investors.
She said, " It is something Nigerians will have to take on. We know that Oando and Dangote are listed on South African Stock Exchange but they are not thriving. They (South Africa) will not allow them to be patronised. Zenith Bank and Union Bank have tried to set up business there but they refused, yet we have Stanbic (IBTC) here.
"What DSTV is doing here; no Nigerian can do it in South Africa. Shoprite is opening all over the place; you (a Nigerian) cannot do that in South Africa; they will frustrate you. So, why are we not doing the same thing!.
"Because Nigeria has not taken a strong action; that is why it will continue to happen".