Senators, PENGASSAN Condemn Xenophobic Attack, Urge Action

Senators yesterday expressed concern over recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians  and other African nationals in South Africa in spite the collective fight against Apartheid.
The senators, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja, recalled how Nigerians were made to contribute to a relief fund to assist South Africa in tackling Apartheid.
Sen. Olusola Adeyeye (APC-Osun Central) said Nigeria had contributed immensely to the liberation of South Africans from oppression and discrimination, and therefore, deserved a pat on the back, not attacks.
He also recalled that beside monetary contributions, some admission slots in Nigerian universities and polytechnics were reserved for South African students during their struggle against apartheid regime.
Adeyeye said that Nigerians gave voice to the aspiration for freedom in South Africa and ought to be welcomed and not attacked.
He called on the South African Government to prosecute perpetrators of the attacks as well as extend protection to Nigerians and other foreigners within its territory.
He, however, called on the Federal Government to put measures in place to tackle the spate of unemployment in the country, which he said, was largely responsible for migration of Nigerians to other countries.
Sen. Robert Boroffice (APC Ondo North) said the xenophobic attack was a social problem in South Africa that needed to be brought under check to prevent any negative effect on South African economy.
Boroffice also called for creation of more jobs in Nigeria to reduce migration of Nigerians to other countries, including South Africa.
He, however, discouraged attacks on South African business in Nigeria, saying that the effect would not be felt as there were few South African businesses and South Africans in Nigeria.
He said that in view of the role Nigeria played in Africa, it would only be proper for it to channel its grievances to the appropriate authorities like the African Union.
On his part, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sen. Andy Uba (PDP-Anambra South), said it was unfortunate that foreigners had to be molested in South Africa.
Uba urged the South African government not to renege on its promise to bring the situation under control.
“The South African government assured us that nothing else will happen to Nigerians and I don’t think anything has happened to Nigerians that we have got in contact with,’’ he said.
Similarly, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on yesterday condemned the xenophobic attacks on migrants in South Africa.
In a statement signed by PENGASSAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana in Abuja, the association urged the country’s government to take urgent measures to end the attacks on foreigners.
The oil workers union demanded that the South African government should ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime that led to the death of many foreigners were brought to book.
ýIt said that the report was disturbing, adding that there was no justification for the act.
”There should be no basis to justify any xenophobic act in South Africa, which the world is greatly admiring as a model in the handling of multi-racial state status.
“By our divergent background and orientation, the process of interrelating and building consensus is key for harmonisation of conflictual views and standpoints.
“Conflicts and disputes are sometimes inevitable, but must be managed in a manner that lives, properties and interests would not be put in jeopardy.
“The South African Government on its part, must ensure that the xenophobic act is expediently and permanently apprehended and never should it happen again.
“All steps and actions required to pacify and appease the affected countries and their nationals must be followed with strong assurances of our joint faith and with due regards for our strong ties and bonds as non-discriminatory black race.
“Strict adherence to the rule of law and due process must be followed and exhausted in dealing with our unresolved differences.
“Culprits must be brought to book to demonstrate to the world that there is no complicity on the part of the South African Government,” the statement said.
It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to urgently put in place a machinery that would adequately develop the nation’s economy, create the enabling environment and opportunities for gainful employment, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
It noted that the optimization of the oil and gas sector had the potential for limitless job creation opportunities that could make many Nigerians seeking greener pasture in other countries to proudly grow this career.