Atiku Accuses FG of Failing Nigerians in South Africa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has openly criticised the Federal Government for what he described as an embarrassingly sluggish response to the latest wave of xenophobic tensions targeting Nigerians in South Africa, arguing that the country’s inaction contrasted sharply with the swift measures taken by smaller African nations.
Atiku made his position known in a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The African Democratic Congress chieftain singled out Ghana, which approved the evacuation of over 300 citizens caught in the latest surge of anti-immigrant hostility, as an example of decisive continental leadership. Against that backdrop, he argued, Nigeria’s response fell far short of what was expected of a country that routinely presents itself as the leader of the Black world and the giant of Africa.
“When the first signs of danger emerged, smaller African nations acted with clarity, compassion, and urgency. Ghana moved decisively following the approval for the evacuation of over 300 citizens. Others issued strong advisories and activated protective mechanisms for their nationals,” he stated.
“But Nigeria, whose citizens have historically borne the brunt of xenophobic violence in South Africa, moved with the lethargy that has become the defining trademark of this administration,” Atiku added.
While acknowledging that the Tinubu administration eventually spoke on the matter and raised the possibility of repatriation, the former vice president maintained that a delayed response was not the same as a responsible one.
“Yes, the government has now spoken. Yes, repatriation talks have been mentioned. However, the critical question remains: why did it take external pressure and the decisive action of others for Nigeria to find its voice?” he asked.
Atiku recalled years of recurring attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, including intimidation, harassment, looting and the destruction of businesses, noting that successive administrations had responded to each cycle with the same predictable pattern of summoning diplomats, issuing cautious statements and retreating into bureaucratic inertia.
He urged the Federal Government to take four immediate steps: issue a stronger travel advisory, commence evacuation plans for willing Nigerians, intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities and work with the African Union to address the broader problem of xenophobic violence across the continent.
“Africa cannot continue to preach unity while tolerating periodic persecution of fellow Africans. And Nigeria cannot continue to posture as a continental leader while behaving like a reluctant observer,” he warned.
Atiku also directed pointed criticism at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging it to abandon what he described as its habitual slow-footedness and respond with greater urgency whenever Nigerian lives and dignity were at risk abroad.