Xenophobia: Youth Leaders Retain Stance On July 31 Deadline After Senate Talks
The growing frustration over attacks on Nigerians in South Africa has reached a critical point, with political youth leaders insisting that diplomatic assurances must now give way to concrete action.
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has maintained its July 31 deadline for decisive action over persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The Forum restated its position during a meeting with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Senator Aniekan Etim Bassey, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Leading the delegation, FNYLPPN Chairman, Eze Onyebuchi, said Nigerian youths were increasingly concerned about attacks on citizens, destruction of businesses and what he described as insufficient urgency in protecting Nigerians abroad.
Onyebuchi demanded firm diplomatic action, compensation for affected Nigerians, stronger consular protection and intervention by the African Union and ECOWAS.
“We expect to see concrete diplomatic, legal and protective measures for Nigerians in South Africa on or before that date,” he said, insisting that the July 31 deadline remained sacrosanct.
Responding, Bassey commended the Forum for pursuing its concerns through democratic channels and assured the delegation that the Senate and relevant authorities were prioritising the matter.
He highlighted ongoing government efforts, including evacuation, medical and financial assistance, as well as moves towards securing compensation and repatriation for affected Nigerians.
The Forum said it would continue to monitor developments and decide its next course of action after the expiration of the deadline.
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