House Summons Foreign Affairs Minister Over Maltreatment Of Nigerians

Source: thewillnigeria.com
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MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR. GBENGA ASHIRU

ABUJA, March 05, (THEWILL) - Following the embarrassing extradition of 125 Nigerians by the South African government, the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gbenga Ashiru to appear before it on Tuesday for clarifications on the country’s relationship with other African countries.


Chairperson of the Committee, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje expressed grave worries over the series of negative attacks on Nigerians and its embassies on the one hand, and the diplomatic row brewing between Nigeria and other African countries on the other hand.

“The recent deportation of 125 Nigerians by the South African government is the height of insult and indignation Nigerians would be subjected to on the continent,” she lamented. “Only some months ago, the Nigerian embassy was attacked in South Africa for no just reason, and we wonder why such should be happening to us.”

Elendu-Ukeje also recalled the recent incarceration of Nigerians citizens in Togo by Togolese authorities, without any form of explanation to Nigerian government.

“We are indeed worried about all these incidences of indignation and scorn that Nigerians have been subjected to all over the world, especially by sister African nations; the situation requires a review of our relationship with these countries,” Elendu-Ukeje noted. “So we have invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs to a meeting on Tuesday, so that he can offer illuminating explanation on the nature of our relationship with these countries in addition to the continued ridicule of Nigerians all over the world.”

The Abaia PDP Representative resolved that it was high time the country put its act together and occupied its rightful position in Africa — a target that can only be realised through the redefinition of the country’s relationship with other nations.

“The outcome of the meeting will shape our next line of action in our foreign policy direction and relationship with these countries. We cannot allow insults on our citizens and country to continue unabated.”

125 Nigerians who arrived South Africa last Thursday were deported the following day over Yellow fever Vaccination card.