Protests against xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa continued on Wednesday with the Federal Government declaring that Nigeria would boycott the World Economic Forum on Africa scheduled for the former apartheid enclave.
Though the Federal Government beefed up security at companies including the MTN and Shoprite linked to South Africa, this could not stop protesters from attacking some of these companies in cities across the nation.
The Federal Government also expressed its determination to end the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa once and for all.
The government’s latest stance came after a morning meeting summoned by President Muhammadu Buhari to review developments so far.
At the meeting were Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama.
The meeting resolved that “enough is enough,” adding that this time round, Nigeria would ensure that attacks on its citizens in South Africa must end.
Onyeama, who spoke with State House Correspondents after the meeting, said several measures had been reached and would be unfolded in the days ahead.
He stated that talks with the South African authorities would be detailed this time round and would shape the pattern of the Nigeria-South Africa relations in the years ahead.
Onyeama confirmed that one option considered was that Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Kabiru Bala, should return home.
However, he clarified that this would be after the special envoy Buhari sent to his South African counterpart, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, would have concluded the assignment and reported back to the President.
He declined to name the special envoy for “security reasons” but added that he was expected to be back from South Africa by the weekend.
Police cordoned off Owerri Shoprite
The police in Imo State have cordoned off a South African company, Shoprite, in Owerri, the state capital, following rumours that angry youths were planning to attack the complex.
But the management of Shoprite, Owerri had shut down the business outfit over fear of attacks by youths.
In Kano, Shoprite and another South African firm were shut on Wednesday due to fear of attacks.
MTN shuts down offices in Port Harcourt
MTN offices in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, were not opened on Wednesday, following the increasing anxiety that there could be a reprisal from youths in the state.
Also PEP in Port Harcourt, a retail store with headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa, was on Wednesday shut over fears of reprisals.
