By SCM Reporter
ABUJA – Former Minister of Education and socio-political activist, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his current foreign engagements, demanding his immediate return to Nigeria to address the escalating attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Taking to her official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the former Vice President of the World Bank described the President’s decision to proceed with a scheduled three-nation tour of France, Kenya, and Rwanda as a “total absence of leadership.”
‘Routine Diplomacy’ Under Fire
Ezekwesili expressed outrage over what she termed the Nigerian government’s “routine” approach to the recurring violence against its citizens in South Africa. She argued that the gravity of the situation—marked by fresh killings and a climate of fear—demands more than standard diplomatic communiqués.
”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,” she wrote.
The activist further insisted that the Federal Government must cease treating the targeted attacks on Nigerians as minor diplomatic friction, calling for a more assertive stance to protect the lives of those in the diaspora.
The latest outcry follows reports of renewed xenophobic hostilities in South Africa, where Nigerian businesses and individuals have reportedly come under attack. Ezekwesili’s critique centers on the optics of the President being abroad while a segment of the citizenry faces a crisis of survival.
She urged the President to prioritize the lives of Nigerians over international summits, stressing that the primary duty of the Commander-in-Chief is the security and welfare of the people, regardless of their location.
The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has been periodically strained by waves of xenophobic violence. While South African authorities often attribute these incidents to localized crime, Nigerian stakeholders frequently point to systemic targeting of foreign nationals.
The “Routine” Pattern: Historically, the Nigerian government’s response has involved summoning the South African High Commissioner or issuing statements condemning the violence. Critics, including Ezekwesili, argue these measures have proven ineffective in preventing repeat occurrences.
The Foreign Trip: President Tinubu’s current itinerary includes high-level engagements in France, Kenya, and Rwanda, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional security. However, the timing of the trip has sparked domestic debate regarding the administration’s “citizen-first” policy.
A Familiar Voice: Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has long been a vocal critic of administrative lapses in Nigeria, particularly regarding the protection of human rights and the accountability of the executive branch. Her latest intervention adds significant pressure on the Presidency to provide a more robust response to the South African crisis.
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