By Uzo Ugwunze
Human Rights Lawyer and Social Critic Sir Ifeanyichukwu Ejiofor Esq has called on African Leaders to look into the matter involving the dignity, security, property, and lives of Nigerians resident in the Republic of South Africa, where the South Africa-backed terrorist are on the rampage.
In his article titled ‘STATE-SPONSORED TERRORISM IN THE GUISE OF XENOPHOBIA? TIME FOR THE AFRICAN UNION TO HOLD THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS ACTIONS: AND WHY DISCERNING NIGERIANS MUST NOT ALLOW THE RAGING (PFIPC) SCANDALS TO DIVERT ATTENTION FROM THE SAFETY OF THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS ABROAD maintained that international law guarantees equality before the law and equal protection against discrimination.
According to Ejiofor, By every objective measure, discerning Nigerians have watched with profound concern the raging PFIPC scandal presently dominating the nation’s political landscape. The allegations surrounding the Presidential Economic Promotion Council and the attendant public debate have understandably occupied the front pages.
“Yet, the historical pattern of political scandals in Nigeria teaches us that political scandals, regardless of how sensational, often fade into oblivion, sometimes without accountability, sometimes without consequence, and frequently without institutional introspection. Same will be the portion of the present debate. Give it one more month; it will be consigned to the things forgotten and past. This is Nigeria for you. Chi-fo anu ozo. A nation of endless tragedy!
“For this reason, I deliberately refrained from joining the fray.
“Not because the issues are unimportant, but because another matter of infinitely greater consequence continues to unfold beyond our borders, a matter involving the dignity, security, property, and lives of Nigerians resident in the Republic of South Africa, where the South Africa-backed terrorist are on the rampage.
“One of the most disturbing developments has been public remarks attributed to a supposed spokesperson of the South African Government concerning Nigerians whose businesses and properties have been abandoned and forcibly taken away by South Africa-backed foot soldiers following waves of xenophobic terrorism. Rather than reassuring the international community that South Africa remains committed to the protection of all lawful residents, irrespective of nationality, the remarks, ostensibly coming from a heavily drunken, arrogant, and reckless South African spokesperson, appeared dismissive and deeply insensitive. If accurately reported, such comments represent a tragic departure from the diplomatic restraint expected of public officials and fall far below the standards expected of a constitutional democracy.
“It is both regrettable and dangerous when an entire nationality becomes casually associated with criminality. Such sweeping generalisations offend every known principle of civilised governance.
“International law could not be clearer.
Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees that every person is entitled to the rights and freedoms recognised therein without discrimination of any kind.
Article 7 further guarantees equality before the law and equal protection against discrimination.
Article 17 protects every person’s right to own property and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of that property.
“Similarly, Articles 2, 3, 5, 12, and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee equality before the law, respect for human dignity, freedom from discrimination, freedom of movement, and the right to property.
“The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights equally obliges State Parties to ensure equal protection of the law without discrimination and guarantees freedom of movement and equal treatment under Articles 2, 12, and 26.
“Furthermore, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination imposes an unequivocal obligation upon States to eradicate racial discrimination in all its manifestations and to guarantee equality before the law irrespective of national origin.
“These are not lofty academic ideals.
They are binding international obligations voluntarily assumed by modern democratic States, including the Republic of South Africa.
“Consequently, any environment in which foreign nationals become recurring targets of organised heinous xenophobic attacks, while their businesses are destroyed or abandoned without effective protection or meaningful accountability, raises profound questions regarding the discharge of those international obligations.
“One cannot discuss South Africa without remembering the immense sacrifices made by Nigeria and countless African nations during the anti-apartheid struggle. Nigeria invested enormous diplomatic capital, financial resources, and political goodwill in support of South Africa’s liberation. That history is well documented, and today, the half-naked morons backed by the most irresponsible Government of South Africa have forgotten this contribution towards the emancipation of the forefathers of these marauders.
“Every lawful Nigerian abroad deserves the full protection of diplomatic engagement. Their nationality should never become a licence for intimidation. Their investments should never become trophies of lawlessness. Their humanity should never become negotiable.
“The time has therefore come for African leaders to rise above diplomatic platitudes and demonstrate that the ideals of African solidarity extend beyond ceremonial declarations.
“Justice delayed emboldens intolerance. Silence legitimises impunity.
And indifference, history teaches us, is often the most dangerous accomplice of injustice.
“The protection of every African on African soil is not merely a political obligation.
It is a legal duty.
It is a moral imperative.
“It is the ultimate test of whether Pan-Africanism is a living principle, or merely an attractive slogan,” said Ejiofor.
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