By Titus Eleweke
Human rights lawyer and lead counsel to IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic action to protect Nigerians living in South Africa following repeated killings linked to xenophobic attacks.
In a statement on Saturday titled “Weekend Musings: When a Ghanaian Life Sparks Diplomatic Outrage, But Nigerian Blood Flows in Silence,” Ejiofor urged Nigeria to move beyond expressions of concern and demand credible investigations, prosecutions, and concrete guarantees for the safety of its citizens.
He said every responsible government has a constitutional duty to protect the lives and interests of its citizens wherever they are, stressing that diplomacy must be purposeful and result-oriented.
Ejiofor cited Ghana’s response to the reported killing of its citizen, Bashiru Isak, in South Africa as an example of firm diplomatic engagement, noting that Ghana demanded justice and reportedly escalated the matter to the African Union.
He lamented that many Nigerians have lost their lives in xenophobic attacks over the years, arguing that evacuating victims without ensuring justice does little to prevent future violence.
“The life of every Nigerian is priceless. The blood of our citizens must never become cheaper than diplomatic courtesies,” he said, urging the government to demonstrate a stronger commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
Tags: South Africa, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Xenophobia, Nigeria, Diaspora
