Chief Okey Onoh, a former Enugu State lawmaker, has publicly challenged South African Consul-General Prof. Bobby Moroe following the diplomat’s assertion that xenophobia does not exist within South Africa. Moroe had recently claimed the nation remains secure for all visitors and business travelers.
Onoh dismissed this perspective as inaccurate, noting that it contradicts the lived realities of many African migrants. He pointed to the emergence of groups like Operation Dudula as evidence of ongoing anti-immigrant hostility that threatens both the safety and livelihoods of foreigners. The former official cited various human rights reports documenting systemic discrimination and physical violence against non-citizens.
Highlighting historical ties, Onoh reminded South African authorities of the support Nigeria provided during the anti-apartheid movement. He argued that Pretoria has a moral obligation to reciprocate this solidarity by ensuring the security of African nationals. Furthermore, he suggested that African nations should reevaluate their diplomatic and economic relations with South Africa if the safety of their citizens cannot be guaranteed.
The statement concluded with a demand for South African leadership to take meaningful action against perpetrators of hate-motivated crimes, emphasizing that the protection of Nigerian citizens must be a primary concern for the Nigerian government.
