Eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has lamented renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and nationals of other countries in South Africa. He described the act as barbaric and intolerable.

Kalu said the South African government must, immediately, put in place necessary machinery to curb the uncivilised acts of her citizens in order not to jeopardise the robust bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

He made the remarks, yesterday, in a video  conversation  with a cross-section of Igbo indigenes resident in South Africa.

Kalu said: “Considering the wide condemnation of last year’s xenophobic attacks, it is depressing to hear the news of the recent attacks on Nigerians and other Africans by some South Africans.

“It is not only disturbing but, also, unpatriotic that an African can attack a fellow African. More so, it is unfair that considering the role Nigeria played in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, Nigerians can still be abused physically and molested in South Africa.

“There must be respect for the rule of law and people that are responsible for the racist attacks must face the wrath of the law. 

“The world is a global village where people are entitled to freedom of movement and speech.

“In this century, peoples’ rights and privileges should not be denied or abused.

“The Nigerian government, through the Nigerian High Commission, in Pretoria, must live up to expectation by deploying resources to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians in South Africa.”

The former governor also seized the opportunity to caution Nigerians in the Diaspora against engaging in illegitimate businesses, and added that the image of Nigeria lies in the hands of her citizens, both at home and abroad.

Kalu commiserated with the families of the victims of the xenophobic acts and urged the African Union (AU) to intervene before the situation escalates further.

In his response on behalf of others, Nigeria-born South Africa-based businessman, Chief Daniel Akwari acknowledged Kalu’s thoughtfulness in reaching out to them, and pointed out that the frontline politician’s words of symapathy  will go a long way in lifting their spirits.

He, however, urged Kalu to persuade the Federal Government to take  “bold diplomatic measures to guide against future occurrence.”