Xenophobic attacks: Why Nigeria won’t retaliate against South Africans – Gbajabiamila

Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday stressed that retaliation would be the last resort in the efforts being made by the Federal Government to resolve the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the lawmaker who will be leading the House’s six-man delegation to South Africa next Monday, maintained that “retaliation is not in the best interest of both nations.”

Gbajabiamila disclosed that lawmakers during their 5-day trip to South Africa would discuss with the South African Parliament on the possibility of both countries enacting hate crime laws.

The Minority Leader said they will interface with their South African counterpart on the possibility of compensating those affected by the xenophobic attack.

According to Gbajabiamila, the delegates will also seek to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.
He said, “We hope to meet with Nigerians who reside in South Africa and assure them of government’s intervention.

“We will advance and hopefully get a commitment on the need for payment of compensation for the victims of this last attack.”