By Danlami Nmodu
President Muhammadu Buhari has despatched a “Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.”
He has also instructed the “Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property.”
President Buhari’s moves came hard on the heels of xenophobic attacks in South Africa reportedly targeting Nigerians.
Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina who disclosed Buhari’s latest action said in a statement the President “has noted with deep concern, reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019.”
The statement continued: “Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property.
“President Buhari has also despatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.
“The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019,” Adesina said.
