VP Shettima Warns: Nigeria Won't Tolerate Citizen Dehumanization Abroad

Nigeria's Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has issued a firm warning, stating that the Nigerian government and its populace will no longer tolerate the mistreatment or dehumanization of its citizens by any administration globally. The Vice-President delivered this stern message to journalists on Monday, August 31, in Luanda, Angola.

He reaffirmed Nigeria's strong disapproval of xenophobic and Afrophobic assaults targeting Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa, emphasizing that the country will not condone any form of abuse against its people.

In his exact words, Shettima declared: “Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation. The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations. But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out.”

Condemning the reported xenophobic and Afrophobic incidents, VP Shettima urged authorities in South Africa to ensure the protection of lives and the upholding of human dignity while implementing the nation's immigration policies.

It is worth noting that the Nigerian government had previously lodged a complaint with the African Union (AU) regarding the xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks experienced by Nigerians and other African citizens within South Africa.