Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has publicly rebuked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he called a “slow and inadequate” response to the resurgence of anti‑immigrant violence in South Africa. In a statement released through his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku praised Ghana’s swift action in evacuating more than 300 Nigerians after the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, and contrasted it with what he described as Nigeria’s delayed and hesitant approach.
Atiku argued that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and a regional heavyweight, should have taken the lead in protecting its citizens abroad. He noted that several smaller African states had already issued travel advisories and deployed consular assistance, whereas Nigeria only issued a vague acknowledgment after external pressure mounted. “It is deeply troubling that a country that positions itself as the leader of the Black world and the giant of Africa is reacting instead of leading in a moment of continental crisis,” he said.
The former vice‑president highlighted a pattern of recurrent intimidation, harassment, looting and xenophobic assaults against Nigerians living in South Africa, citing repeated destruction of businesses and threats to lives. He criticised successive Nigerian governments for relying on diplomatic summons and cautious statements without decisive on‑the‑ground action. “A government’s first obligation is the protection of its citizens—wherever they may be. Waiting for other nations to act first sends a dangerous signal that the lives of its citizens are negotiable,” Atiku asserted.
Calling Ghana’s response “decisive leadership,” Atiku urged the Nigerian federal government to move beyond “half‑measures.” He recommended the issuance of a clear travel advisory, the activation of evacuation arrangements for willing nationals, and intensified diplomatic engagement with South African authorities. He also called on Nigeria to work with the African Union to develop a permanent continental framework for addressing xenophobic violence, stressing that Africa cannot “preach unity while tolerating periodic persecution of fellow Africans.”
The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate concluded by urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to abandon what he described as habitual sluggishness and to demonstrate greater urgency and competence in handling matters affecting Nigerians abroad.
Atiku’s comments come as South African authorities grapple with renewed tension following incidents of xenophobic vandalism and assaults targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians. The situation remains fluid, and further diplomatic engagement between Nigeria, South Africa and other affected states is expected in the coming days.
