Atiku Abubakar Critiques Nigeria's Response to Xenophobia

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, criticized the federal government's handling of the xenophobic crisis in South Africa, describing its response as sluggish. He expressed embarrassment over Nigeria's inaction while smaller African countries, like Ghana, swiftly approved the evacuation of 300 citizens affected by the latest wave of anti-immigrant threats.

Atiku stated that Nigeria, which prides itself as a leader in Africa, should take the initiative rather than merely react to crises. He noted that the Nigerian government has historically faced criticism for its slow responses to xenophobic violence, which has endangered the lives and businesses of Nigerians in South Africa.

Atiku urged the government to issue stronger travel advisories and commence evacuation plans, emphasizing the need for greater urgency in protecting Nigerian citizens abroad. He called for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act decisively whenever the dignity of Nigerians is threatened.