President-elect Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his sadness at the violent attacks in South Africa that have targeted immigrants, many of them Nigerians. Mr. Buhari also commended the Nigerian government for taking steps to ensure the protection of Nigerians’ lives and property.
In a statement released in Abuja yesterday, Mr. Buhari recalled that Nigeria and South Africa had enjoyed cordial relations since the end of apartheid.
He said he was in full support of the measures adopted so far by the Nigerian government to protect Nigerians from the wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Pretoria had advised Nigerians in South Africa to close their shops, stay home and keep out of trouble, imploring them to obey the laws of their host country.
“We equally understand that the South African government is making efforts to bring an end to this unfortunate situation,” said Mr. Buhari said, urging Nigerians in the violence-plagued country to “abide by the words of caution extended them by their government representative in Pretoria.”
He also lauded the Nigerian government’s decision to monitor the situation in South Africa and to evacuate Nigerians if the situation appeared to escalate.
“I am happy to see that the Nigerian government is very well aware of its responsibilities to its citizens in South Africa,” Mr. Buhari said.
Garba Shehu, the director of the APC presidential campaign office, signed the president-elect’s statement.