End the killings now — Ezekwesili presses Tinubu to act on South Africa crisis

Former Minister of Education and founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend his ongoing foreign trip and return to address the reported killings and attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

In a statement shared on her X page on Monday, Ezekwesili criticised the President’s decision to embark on visits to France, Kenya and Rwanda while Nigerians in South Africa face violent attacks.

She described the move as a failure of leadership, stressing that the government must treat the situation as a serious national concern rather than routine diplomacy.

The former World Bank vice president argued that the Federal Government’s current response such as summoning envoys, issuing advisories and evacuating some citizens was inadequate. According to her, Nigerians abroad require concrete protection measures, not symbolic actions or repeated expressions of concern.

Ezekwesili called on the government to demand a comprehensive report from South African authorities detailing the number of attacks, casualties, arrests and ongoing prosecutions, as well as compensation for victims and unresolved cases.

She maintained that anything short of a transparent and time-bound justice process would encourage further violence.

She also urged the government to strengthen consular services across Nigerian embassies, ensuring that citizens abroad have clear channels to report threats, access emergency support and receive decisive intervention from authorities.

Highlighting Nigeria’s historical role in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle, Ezekwesili said the continued attacks on Nigerians undermine a shared legacy between both countries.

She called on President Tinubu to engage directly with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to secure firm action against the perpetrators.

Ezekwesili further warned that failure to protect Nigerians abroad weakens the government’s credibility and authority, urging the President to prioritise his constitutional duty to safeguard citizens both at home and overseas.