Headlines
Xenophobia: South Africa Sends Envoys, Apologises to Nigeria
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday apologised to Nigeria for the xenophobic attacks on its citizens.
The apology was tendered to President Muhammadu Buhari in the State House, Abuja, by the two special envoys the South African leader dispatched to Nigeria Monday.
Addressing State House correspondents shortly after a closed- door meeting with the Nigerian president, Ramaphosa’s special envoy, Jeff Radebe said: “Those incidents do not represent what we stand for as a constitutional democracy in South Africa and the president has apologised for these incidents.”
Radebe, who blamed the untoward incidents on the prevailing scourge of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in South Africa, said the development was beginning to impact negatively on the country’s economy, hence the need for diplomatic intervention in order to stem the tide.
“There is an impact of these events on the economy, and that is why the president at his level deemed it necessary to send us as special envoys so that we record appropriately what steps and measures we are making as South Africa to deal with these methods.
“We believe that the agenda 2063 for the Africa we want is one that will help not only South Africa but the whole of the continent to unite around that common goal of ensuring that our people, especially young people, believe that the future of Africa is bright.
“It is the responsibility, therefore, not only of governments of Nigeria and South Africa but of ordinary citizens to play their part in ensuring, that these incidents do not reoccur.”
Radebe explained that the South African government was already on top of the situation with specific instructions to the security agencies to apprehend the culprits.
“He (Ramaphosa) has also instructed law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those involved are brought to book so that the rule of law can prevail in South Africa.”
On the need to ensure that both countries continue to play a critical role in the rebuilding of Africa to attain the agenda 2063, the envoy said the meeting with President Buhari afforded them the opportunity to recall with fond memories the historical ties that existed between Nigeria and South Africa, especially during the dark days of apartheid.
“We always knew that the Nigerian people and their government always stood behind our leaders who were fighting against the obnoxious system of apartheid. Even Nigerian families contributed to making sure that apartheid is ended. Though Nigeria is far from South Africa, it was regarded as the frontline state because of the principled stand that all leaders of Nigeria made to end the system of apartheid.
“We also remember, among others, a head of state, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, who played a key role, and of course one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian nation, President Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“The crisis must serve as an opportunity for us to make sure that the scourge of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in the whole of Africa is attended to by our leaders.
“We also expressed the President Ramaphosa’s wish that when President Buhari would pay his state visit to South Africa on the 3rd of October, the bi-mission commission that exists between the two governments, and has now been elevated, will serve as a forum to address all issues of mutual concern about South Africa and Nigeria.”
On Nigeria’s insistence on compensation to the victims of the attacks, Radebe said: “During President Buhari’s state visit to South Africa, there will be detailed discussions which will be held there. I do understand that the issue of compensation, restitution is part of the agenda in the draft the Nigerian government has presented to South Africa.
“We should wait until October 3rd to see how that unfolds. But I can indicate, as a lawyer, that the South African laws require that all registered companies must have public insurance in terms of things of this nature. But like I said, that meeting will just be held.”
“I’m told that more than 50 people have been arrested thus far. Let’s wait until the whole issue has been resolved. It is a security cluster led by the minister of defence as well as the minister of police that are working around the clock to make sure that all those that are alleged to be involved in these incidents are brought to book.”
On why it took South Africa so long to take steps against the menace since xenophobia is not a recent development, Radebe said: “This incident has been happening from time to time. I do recall recently that around 2008, it always coincided with periods when the economy is experiencing tough times in our country. As you know, we are still emerging from the system of apartheid, where the last unemployment rate was around 29 percent.
“It seems to us that some of these incidents occur in areas where there are poverty, unemployment, and fight for scarce resources. But no amount of hunger or hardship justifies the looting of property, killing of people, whether they are South Africans or foreigners. We regard that as an act of criminality.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said: ‘‘The Nigerian ambassador to South Africa has not been recalled but he has been asked to come just to help in giving a comprehensive picture of events there to President Buhari.”
A statement later issued yesterday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said President Buhari during the closed-door meeting, recalled the roles played by Nigeria in engendering majority rule in South Africa, a development which he said ended the apartheid segregationist policy.
“Going back to historical antecedents, we made great sacrifices for South Africa to become a free state. I was a junior officer to Gen. Murtala Muhammed, and Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. They were not operating in a democracy, but they got Nigerians to support them in the bid to seeing a free South Africa.
He extended appreciation to President Ramaphosa, through the special envoy, “for coming to explain to us what happened in South Africa recently, leading to killing and displacement of foreigners.”
The Guardian
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
