BY BONNY AMADI
Nigerian senate has rejected a proposal by Wasiu Eshilokun, senator representing Lagos central, for the federal government to nationalise South African businesses operating in Nigeria and use the proceeds to compensate xenophobia victims.
Eshilokun spoke on Tuesday during senate deliberations on a motion sponsored by Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River south, on the recurring attacks and intimidation of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The lawmaker said Nigeria should place the protection of citizens at the centre of its foreign policy.
“First and foremost, Nigeria and Nigerians should be the centrepiece of our foreign policy. Any harm to any Nigerian should be taken seriously,” he said.
Eshilokun said South Africans appeared to have forgotten Nigeria’s contribution to the struggle against apartheid.
“The South Africans who are engaged in these xenophobic attacks forget that without Nigeria, South Africa may not be what it is today. It is our contribution with others that freed them from apartheid,” he said.
He condemned the attacks on Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses.
“Having done a lot — killing our people and destroying their businesses, without prior notice, without any law, without any government — I guess that it is also going to be good if we put them on notice that all South African businesses in Nigeria may also suffer,” he said.
“We can also nationalise and use the proceeds to pay compensation to those who were displaced from South Africa.
“They have DStv, MTN that is making a lot of money. We can nationalise them and use the proceeds to pay those who were attacked or suffered losses from their country.
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