The leadership of the Young Democratic Party (YDP) has expressed concern about attacks on Nigerian residents in South Africa.
A statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mrs Georgina Dakpokpo and Mrs Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye, the National Chairman and National Publicity Secretary of the party respectively, said the attacks should be checked immediately.
According to the party, it is unfortunate that South Africa has forgotten Nigeria’s role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
“The historical roles played by Nigerians towards the emancipation of the black South Africa may not have been well documented, archived and communicated.
“The level of education or lack of same may be a major factor in the xenophobic attacks on fellow youths and Nigerians in South Africa by South Africans,’’ the statement said.
It said the Federal Government should look at Nigeria’s historical contributions towards the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa to form a more appropriate foreign policy on South Africa.
“The attack is usually recurring because the erroneous belief that the South Africans chances of getting jobs have been eroded by, perhaps, more hardworking Nigerian youths.
“YDP wishes to condemn in strongest terms unprovoked xenophobic attacks on fellow youths and citizens in South Africa as well as killings in Kaduna.
“The party, therefore, wishes to implore the All Progressives Congress-led government to be more proactive in ensuring security of Nigerians within and outside Nigeria,’’ it said.
The party, therefore, pleaded with the Federal Government to put measures in place to ensure respect for the provisions of the law and the constitution, especially in the areas of security of Nigerians.
“Although, we appreciate that so much has been done in other areas of concern, especially in depleting the strength of Boko Haram insurgents, the party observes increase in the spate of kidnappings across the country,’’ it said.
The party suggested the creation of a South African Education fund for the youth, an initiative, it observed, should be strictly developed by Nigerian government for the education of indigent South Africans in South Africa.
“This should be funded primarily by the South African multinational companies doing business in Nigeria.
“The fund should be controlled via the Nigerian Consulate in collaboration with non-governmental organisations based in South Africa,’’ the party suggested.
In all the processes, the party said the African Union and the South African government should be involved to forestall further breakdown of law and order.(NAN)
NNL/KAY
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