Prominent constitutional lawyer Aloy Ejimakor has issued a fierce warning regarding the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, urging President Bola Tinubu to adopt an uncompromising stance against any xenophobic violence.
​The warning comes amid rising tensions and renewed fears of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, in South Africa. Ejimakor, widely known for his high-profile human rights advocacy, made it clear that Nigeria must no longer tolerate the targeted harassment or killing of its citizens abroad.
​”There’ll be hell to pay if any Nigerian blood is spilt,” Ejimakor declared, calling on the federal government to proactively safeguard its diaspora community.
​Ejimakor emphasized that diplomatic pleasantries are no longer enough to guarantee the safety of Nigerians. He urged the Tinubu administration to deploy “tough, unmistakable signals” to Pretoria, ensuring that South African authorities are held strictly accountable for the protection of Nigerian lives and businesses.
​He urged the federal government to move from reactive condemnations to proactive diplomatic deterrence. Reminding South Africa of the vast operational freedom its corporations enjoy within the Nigerian market.
Ejimakor also demanded swift legal action against perpetrators of hate speech and xenophobic violence in South Africa.
​Nigeria and South Africa share a complex relationship marked by deep economic ties but fractured by recurring waves of xenophobia. Over the years, dozens of Nigerians have lost their lives, and millions of dollars in property have been destroyed in periodic outbursts of violence, often fueled by local socio-economic frustrations.
​Analysts note that Ejimakor’s sharp rhetoric reflects a growing impatience among Nigerians at home and abroad regarding the perceived docility of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Under the current administration, citizens are increasingly demanding that the “Renewed Hope” agenda extend to the protection of Nigerians everywhere.
​As of the time of reporting, the presidency has not issued an official response to Ejimakor’s statement, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains that it is closely monitoring the situation in South Africa.
