SAY NO TO XENOPHOBIC ATTACK: AFRICANS ARE NOT FOREIGNERS IN AFRICA
By Mahmood AbdulBasit Adewole 09:10 04 September 2019
JustEventOnlineTV
JustEventOnlineTV
To start with, there is no justification for the killing, destruction of properties and or creation of unrest by any citizen or resident of a country whatsoever, for jungle justice is no justice and should therefore be frowned at and rejected by every sane Society.
The Xenophobic attack of Nigerians in South Africa has increased in recent days with killing and molestation of innocent Nigerians and other Africans, as well as destruction of their properties in South Africa has received condemnation globally. This inhumane and ugly trend is happening almost on daily basis in our homes (regardless of the name we give to it), hence, and its genesis should not be attributed to the government alone, as virtually everyone has their own contribution (one way or the other).
For instance, here in my home country (Nigeria), we don't respect one another, we hate one another for no reason and we don't value one another; probably, as a result of difference in religion, tribe, ideology, language and place of origin, et cetera. The earlier we change our attitudes towards one another, the better for us. Every sane person and or Society would understand that the accident of where a person came from, or what religion he practices shouldn't be a dividing factor.
After watching the video of how some senseless South Africans (beasts in human flesh) are treating Nigerians in South Africa, then watched the aftermath video released by the likes of the South Africa deputy Police Minister, one would understand that the xenophobic attack is borne out of hatred and jealousy by the former. The South Africans felt threatening, as they had to show their longtime hatred and jealousy in this ugly manner. It's a very sorry case. At a point, I had to conclude that Nelson Mandela made a big mistake fighting for independence for those animals killing and causing destructions.
Following the reports of the attacks in South Africa, I read that some groups of angry Nigerians attacked MTN office in Apapa and Ikeja areas of Lagos; setting the office on fire in revenge of the attacks of Nigerians in South Africa. I also read about the plans of some angry Nigerians to destroy other South Africans' businesses like Shoprite, DSTV and GoTV offices in Nigeria.This to me, is uncalled for. As painful as what's happening in South Africa to our people is, we shouldn't be fighting violence with the same violence we're condemning.
We need to understand that the first factor that binds us together is the fact that we're human beings and every human being has some inalienable human rights which should not be infringed, except if found wanting, guilty and convicted by due legal means (court of law).
Once upon a time, many Africans came to Nigeria because it offers safety and wealth. We have been failed by many of our leaders, especially the career thieves calling themselves 'politicians'. Perhaps, many Nigerians fleeing to another countries wouldn’t have, if there is a good governance.
We all need to condemn in totality the xenophobic attacks, killings and looting of shops and properties belonging to Nigerians and other foreigners residing in South Africa. We should rather embrace diversity of varied nationalities, traditions, culture and religions from across the globe.
In conclusion, as human beings, we really need to connect people, bring them together and provide a platform for everyone's rights to be preserved. We need to stand up against all forms of bigotry and discrimination; these should have no place in our society. In unity, we stand, and in division, we fall.
*© Mahmood Abdulbasit Adewole,*
*Abdulbasitadewole@gmail.com*
*4th September, 2019.*
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