Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has renewed attention on the plight of Nigerians in South Africa, condemning what he described as the persistent xenophobic attacks against them and the slow diplomatic response that often follows such incidents.
In an interview with Arise News, monitored by The News Chronicle, Oshiomhole said the repeated killings and assaults on Nigerians abroad reflect a troubling disregard for human life, insisting that the protection of citizens must outweigh concerns about foreign relations or investment ties.
He maintained that his earlier outcry over xenophobic violence was driven by the need to force urgency and accountability, noting that even the South African leadership only reacted after sustained pressure was brought to bear.
“I am glad that Nigerians in South Africa now feel that someone spoke for them,” he said, stressing that no economic interest or diplomatic convenience should ever be placed above the lives of Nigerian citizens.
Oshiomhole also framed his broader interventions in governance debates as part of a consistent push for accountability, both at home and abroad, insisting that leadership must never become indifferent to injustice.
While referencing his recent disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over Senate procedures, he reiterated that his stance was not personal but rooted in institutional integrity and due process.
He added that his concerns remain guided by national interest, particularly the need to ensure that Nigerians, whether within or outside the country, are treated with dignity and protected without hesitation.
