A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend his ongoing diplomatic tour and return to Nigeria to confront what she described as a worsening crisis involving attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
In a strongly worded statement posted on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Ezekwesili criticised the President’s decision to proceed with visits to France, Kenya, and Rwanda at a time when Nigerians abroad are reportedly facing violence, intimidation, and displacement.
She described the trip as “a total absence of leadership,” arguing that the Nigerian government appeared indifferent to the plight of its citizens caught in the unrest.
“Return Home, Mr President: The Nigerian Government Must Stop Treating the Killing and Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa as Routine Diplomacy,” she wrote.
“Mr President Tinubu, it is a total absence of leadership to set out on a three-nation junket to France, Kenya, and Rwanda while the bodies of our citizens lay slain in South Africa while the rest hide from a raging mob.”
Ezekwesili’s remarks come amid growing tension in parts of South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence have historically targeted foreign nationals, including a significant number of Nigerians. The latest wave of unrest has reportedly led to casualties, destruction of businesses, and widespread fear among migrant communities.
Her intervention has reignited debate over the Nigerian government’s response to the crisis, with critics accusing authorities of failing to take decisive action to protect citizens abroad. Many have called for stronger diplomatic engagement, emergency evacuations, and firm consequences for perpetrators of violence.
Observers note that Nigeria and South Africa share deep economic and political ties, often regarded as a cornerstone of African diplomacy. However, recurring attacks on foreign nationals have strained relations between the two nations, prompting repeated calls for lasting solutions.
Ezekwesili insisted that symbolic diplomatic gestures were no longer sufficient, urging the administration to demonstrate urgency and empathy in addressing the crisis.
“This is not the time for routine diplomacy or distant engagement,” she implied, stressing that leadership demands physical presence, clear communication, and immediate action during moments of national distress.
Meanwhile, there has been no immediate response from the Presidency regarding her comments. However, government officials in recent days have indicated that diplomatic channels are being activated to engage South African authorities and ensure the safety of Nigerians in affected areas.
As tensions persist, families of Nigerians living in South Africa remain anxious, while civil society groups continue to mount pressure on the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively.
The unfolding situation underscores longstanding concerns about the safety of African migrants within the continent and raises broader questions about regional cooperation, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
For many Nigerians watching events unfold, Ezekwesili’s message reflects a growing demand for leadership that is not only present but responsive in moments of crisis, both at home and beyond the nation’s borders.
