Obanikoro swings into action against S'Africa's xenophobic attacks

 NIGERIA'S Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, is hopeful that citizens affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa will be compensated.
Senator Obanikoro said Nigerian High Commissioner, Martin Cobham and other delegations were taking stock of damage done to Nigerians to ensure that adequate compensation would be given to them.
“We have situations where some of our people lost their shops in this attack.
“We are taking stock of the damage done to them and we are going to be engaging the South African government,” Senator Obanikoro said.
He stated that the South African government had been exploring different avenues to end the attacks that had claimed several lives in KwaZulu-Natal province.
“One of the major stakeholders who incited the South African community has called for a meeting this morning (Monday) where some representatives of the affected countries would be addressed.
“Some traditional rulers will be there to see how they can douse the situation and ensure the safety of Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa.
“This is a very shameful situation and it has attracted a lot of international outcry. I think the leaders have seen the need to ensure that the xenophobic attacks do not escalate," he said.
The minister further urged Nigerians to remain calm, even in the face of the situation, addressing suggestions that South African businesses in Nigeria should be grounded.
“It is an international situation and to localise it will be unfortunate and it will not yield the desired result.
“Two wrongs do not make a right. I think Nigeria should rise above sentiments that there should be a reprisal. The way we have conducted ourselves is the best.
“The leadership role that we are playing in Africa should be sustained. The best way to do that is to find the best way out of the situation that we are now," he added.

Nigerian Tribune