Xenophobic in S/Africa: All Jonathan’s actions on safety of Nigerians in order — Buhari

President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari  (rtd), on Saturday said he is in full support of all the steps taken so far by President Goodluck Jonathan to protect Nigerians from the wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a statement released in Abuja, yesterday, Buhari commended Nigeria's Head of Mission in Pretoria for the steps he took, advising the Nigerian business community in South Africa to close shop, stay indoors and keep out of trouble.

He also asked them to obey the laws of their host country.

'We equally understand that the South African government is making efforts to bring an end to this unfortunate situation,' the president-elect  said. 'In the meantime, Nigerians in South Africa should abide by the words of caution extended them by their government representative in Pretoria'. Buhari  commended the government for its decision to evacuate Nigerians at any sign of escalation.

'I am happy to see that the Nigerian government is very well aware of its responsibilities to its citizens in South Africa,' he said.

He, however, expressed sadness over the unfortunate development that has affected Nigerians even as he recalled Nigeria and South Africa's friendly relations since the end of apartheid.

In the same vein, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, describing the action   as provocative and completely unacceptable.

In a statement, yesterday, by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians in South Africa.