President-Elect, General Muhammadu
Buhari has commended steps by President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration to
protect the country’s citizens from the wave of xenophobic attacks in South
Africa.
In a statement released in Abuja on
Saturday, General Buhari said that Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Pretoria had
taken the right steps by advising Nigerian community in South Africa to close
their shops, stay home and keep out of trouble, while ensuring that they obey
the laws of their host country.
“We equally understand that the
South African government is making efforts to bring an end to this unfortunate
situation,” Buhari said.
“In the meantime, Nigerians in South
Africa should abide by the words of caution extended them by their government
representative in Pretoria.”
Buhari also commended the Nigerian
government for its decision to monitor the situation in South Africa and
evacuate its citizens at any sign of escalation.
“I am happy to see that the Nigerian
government is very well aware of its responsibilities to its citizens in South
Africa,” General Buhari said.
The President-Elect noted that the
unfolding events in South Africa was sad considering Nigeria and South Africa’s
friendly relation since the end of apartheid.
Buhari’s statement is seen as a
fulfillment of the deal brokered by the the National Peace Committee, headed by
former military Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, DAILY POST learnt.
Accordingly, Both President Jonathan
and his incoming successor, Buhari, as well as their parties, PDP and APC, are
expected to soften their tones when commenting on issues concerning one
another.
They are also required to make
commendation where possible, while ceasing direct personal attacks.
“The last time Nigeria had a
transition was in 1999; a military to civilian one. Now, its going to be
civilian to civilian,” said Sunkanmi Adeyombo, a political affairs analyst
based in Lagos.
“The peace deal brokered makes it
compulsory for President Jonathan and General Buhari to become friends. We must
have a smooth transition, it’s non-negotiable.
“The need to sustain the relative
calm in the polity is imperative, so don’t be surprise if you see an image of
the duo having lunch or watching a football match.”
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