By Chinedu Echianu
The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has opened talks with the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) over the group’s July 31 ultimatum calling on South Africans to leave Nigeria in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The meeting, held at the National Assembly in Abuja, followed a formal letter from the Forum expressing concerns over the continued attacks, destruction of businesses, and threats to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Eze Onyebuchi, said Nigerian youths were deeply concerned by what they described as persistent xenophobic violence and the inadequate protection of Nigerians abroad. He also accused the South African government of failing to decisively tackle the attacks, insisting that the July 31 deadline remains in place unless meaningful action is taken.
The Forum called on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic measures against South Africa, secure compensation for affected Nigerians, strengthen consular protection through the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria, and engage the African Union and ECOWAS to confront the growing menace of Afrophobia across the continent.
Responding, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Senator Aniekan Bassey, commended the youth leaders for pursuing their grievances through peaceful and democratic channels.
He assured the delegation that the Federal Government has continued to respond to the crisis through the evacuation of affected Nigerians, provision of medical and financial assistance, and efforts to secure compensation and facilitate the safe return of citizens where necessary.
Senator Bassey pledged that the committee would continue working with relevant government agencies to ensure stronger protection for Nigerians abroad and pursue diplomatic solutions to the recurring attacks.
The Forum, however, maintained that it would closely monitor developments and decide its next course of action after the July 31 deadline.
