Senate to send delegation to S.Africa

Bukola Saraki - Senate President

Following the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, the Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday resolved to send a delegation of lawmakers to the South African parliament.

The delegates will deliberate with their South African counterpart on ways to stop the attacks on Nigerians.

The decision followed a motion by a Senator representing Cross River North, Rose Oko, urging the senate to intervene in the renewed attacks.

Speaking during plenary, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki said the Upper Legislative Chambers has resolved “to send a strong parliamentary delegation to the South African parliament to register its displeasure over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.”

The senate also summoned the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama to explain what the Executive arm of government is doing regarding the attack.

However, public opinion differ on the better approach to make the intentions of the House of Assembly felt. While some think that it is more appropriate to simply mandate the executive to send a delegation of one high powered executive similar to that which President Obasanjo did when he sent the then Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun to the Republic of Benin to register the nation's displeasure at the 'unfriendly' acts perpetuated on their territory. It is considered that this will also reflect the economic situation of the country.

Others however, agree with the modus of the House but trust the it will reflect the economic prudency of the nation all the same.