Port Harcourt – The Nigerian Union in South Africa on Thursday commended the Federal Government for its decision to ask for compensation from South Africa over xenophobic attacks.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali had told the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs that Nigeria would ask the South African government to pay N84 million as compensation to Nigerians over the attacks.
The President of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in telephone interview from Pretoria, South Africa, that government’s decision was a step in the right direction.
“The Nigerians in South Africa are very happy with the urgency the Federal Government has handled the incidents in South Africa.
“We are equally happy that the Federal Government has said they would engage the South African government to pay compensation to Nigerians.
“We believe that government’s move is a step in the right direction and justifies our demand for assistance to enable Nigerians affected by the attacks to re-settle,’’ he said.
Anyene, however, said the union was not satisfied with the minister’s account on the number of Nigerian shops affected by the attacks.
“More than 12 Nigerian shops were looted in Durban, Johannesburg and Jeppes town during the attacks.
“The union compiled these figures and other vital information on attacks and gave to the Nigerian mission in South Africa,’’ he said.
The president said that after sending the details to the mission, more reports on attacks against Nigerians surfaced from other provinces.
“These latest reports were not part of the details sent to the mission,’’ he said.
Anyene commended the Federal Government for its prompt response to the plight of Nigerians during the attacks. (NAN)
Na today? Hope they compensate them though
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