Oshiomhole wants Nigeria to apply sanctions against South African companies in response to attacks

FORMER Edo State governor and ex-chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged the federal government to respond to xenophobic attacks Nigerians in South Africa with economic sanctions.

Senator Oshiomhole, now the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said Nigeria has to respond to the attacks by retaliating against South African businesses operating in the country. Speaking during a plenary session, Senator Oshiomhole said Nigeria should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies operating in the country, such as MTN and DSTV.

Of late, there has been an resurgence of attacks against Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa, as always happens when there in an economic downturn. Many of South Africa's youths are not aware of the role played by other African nations during the fight against apartheid, so cannot relate to the liberation struggle.

According to Senator Oshiomhole, Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens. He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

Senator Oshiomhole said:“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle. When we hit back, the president of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

“We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that."