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The Federal Government has demanded urgent action from South Africa to end recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals, disclosing that 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related incidents in the country since 2022.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the demand in Abuja on Monday while receiving South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.

Lamola was sent to Nigeria as a special envoy by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing diplomatic tension over repeated attacks on foreign nationals.

The envoy delivered a message from Ramaphosa to President Bola Tinubu before holding talks with senior Nigerian officials led by Enikanolaiye.Executive Branch

Enikanolaiye said Tinubu directed the meeting to allow both countries to frankly discuss what he described as persistent “Afrophobic attacks” against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.

“We have seen a pattern that has become a concern to the Nigerian government,” he said.

The minister cited outbreaks of anti-migrant violence dating back to 1995 and said official records showed that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob attacks and hate-related violence in South Africa since 2022.

He warned that the continued attacks could damage the long-standing strategic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.

Enikanolaiye urged Pretoria to take immediate and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals legally residing in the country.Politics

The minister disclosed that the Federal Government had evacuated more than 1,500 Nigerians from South Africa following previous attacks.

He described receiving some of the evacuees as an emotional experience, noting that many returned home without their possessions.

“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said.

Enikanolaiye said several victims were lawful residents and raised concerns over the alleged failure of South African security personnel to intervene during some attacks.

He argued that such incidents raised questions about state responsibility and the safety of foreigners living in South Africa.

The minister stressed that Nigeria would not defend citizens involved in drug trafficking or other criminal activities.

He, however, insisted that suspects must be arrested and prosecuted through the legal system rather than subjected to mob violence.

“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” Enikanolaiye said.

He maintained that criminal allegations should not be used to justify attacks on Nigerians and other migrants.

Enikanolaiye reminded the South African delegation of Nigeria’s role in the struggle against apartheid and the subsequent cooperation between both countries.

He recalled their collaboration in transforming the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union and promoting the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

Despite the current tension, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa.

He expressed hope that continued dialogue would rebuild confidence, strengthen bilateral relations and protect the principle of African solidarity.

Responding, Lamola said his visit was aimed at reaffirming the historic friendship between Nigeria and South Africa while addressing concerns over violence against foreign nationals.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to the struggle against apartheid, saying South Africans remained grateful for the sacrifices made.

“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.

He added that Ramaphosa and the South African government remained opposed to xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and other forms of intolerance.

The envoy, however, maintained that South Africa had a sovereign responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and combat irregular migration and criminal activities.

He identified drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences as challenges the government was determined to address.

Lamola described migration as a continental challenge requiring cooperation among African countries under the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.

“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.

He added that further details of Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a closed-door session.

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Alleged masterminds of the failed plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration had reportedly drawn up a three-point programme for implementation after taking control of government.

The proposed measures included a review of the removal of petrol subsidy, an adjustment of salaries and wages for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, and national honours for military personnel killed in active service.

According to Premium Times, details of the plan were reportedly contained in a handwritten note recovered from the residence of the alleged leader of the plot, an Army colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji.

Ma’aji and some of the alleged conspirators are currently facing proceedings before military and civil courts over the purported attempt to remove the democratically elected government.

The allegations against them have not been established by the courts.

Premium Times revealed that the document was among confidential materials gathered by investigators examining the alleged conspiracy.Government

A page of the note, titled “Immediate Actions,” reportedly listed the steps the alleged plotters intended to take after seizing power.

It read, “Set up a committee to review fuel subsidy removal.

“Set up a committee to review salaries and wages of all members of the Armed Forces and all security agencies.

“Set up a committee to recommend all fallen heroes for national award.”

Investigators reportedly said the note was recovered from Ma’aji’s home and subjected to forensic examination by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The forensic report, dated January 26, was said to have been forwarded to the Defence Headquarters.

Colonel Admits Writing Note
Ma’aji reportedly admitted ownership of the document in a handwritten statement made during interrogation.

He was said to have told investigators that he personally wrote the proposed “action plans,” motivational statements and other entries in preparation for an alleged takeover of government.

Although the document was written in a jotter distributed as a souvenir at a social event, investigators reportedly considered its contents significant to understanding the alleged plot and the thinking of those involved.

The note was also said to contain about 20 motivational statements, which investigators believed reflected Ma’aji’s state of mind during the planning.

One of the entries read, “Money is the great way to lubricate the wheels of a coup d’état.”

Another stated, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

The collection also included the statement, “Try not to become a man of success but a man of value,” which Ma’aji attributed to scientist Albert Einstein.

Other entries encouraged courage, persistence and the pursuit of long-term ambitions.

Plotters Allegedly Targeted Subsidy Policy
The reported proposal to review the removal of petrol subsidy appeared designed to address the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians since the policy was announced.Geographic Reference

Tinubu declared an end to fuel subsidy payments during his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

The decision led to a sharp rise in petrol prices and contributed to increases in transportation, food and other living costs.

Investigators reportedly believed the alleged conspirators hoped that reversing or reviewing the policy would attract public support for their planned government.

The proposed subsidy review was seen as the alleged plotters’ offer to Nigerians outside the military, while the other two measures focused on the welfare and recognition of security personnel.

Documents reviewed during the investigation reportedly showed that Ma’aji identified the salaries, allowances and living conditions of military personnel as a major reason for the alleged conspiracy.

In his statement, the colonel claimed there was widespread dissatisfaction among officers and soldiers over the treatment of their welfare.

“If you interact with officers and soldiers, 80 per cent are disgruntled already. And it was a voluntary thing. Nobody was coerced,” he reportedly wrote.

Ma’aji further claimed that he had abandoned the idea at one point but was encouraged to continue by other officers.

“In this recent effort, I had given up the motive, but some officers kept texting and calling for my intervention.

“There were none who, after I spoke to them, drew back after sharing the plan with them. The desire for change is genuine, and that has been what has kept the plan alive for a long time,” he added.

Military Welfare Remains Contentious

The remuneration and welfare of Nigerian military personnel have remained subjects of public concern for several years.Geographic Reference

Serving and retired personnel have repeatedly complained that their salaries and allowances do not adequately reflect the risks and demands associated with military service.

Families of personnel killed in active duty have also called for improved compensation, housing, education and long-term support.

Although the Federal Government has periodically introduced welfare measures and reviewed some allowances, military personnel and veterans have maintained that the interventions have not kept pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.

Investigators reportedly believed that the proposed national honours for fallen personnel and the review of security agencies’ salaries were intended to present the alleged takeover as an effort to improve conditions within the Armed Forces

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Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, on Monday conducted a mass wedding for 600 couples drawn from less privileged backgrounds in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

The ceremony was attended by the daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr.
Mujidat Folashade Tinubu, alongside Islamic scholars and other dignitaries from across the state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Idris said the mass wedding was facilitated through his wife, Dr. Nafisa Nasir Idris’ NANA Foundation, in collaboration with the state government, in line with Islamic injunctions. He pledged that the initiative would continue for as long as he remains governor of the state.

According to the governor, the programme sponsored 300 women and another 300 beneficiaries, including widows and persons with disabilities.

The government, through the foundation, also paid an Islamic dowry of ₦250,000 for each couple.
Governor Idris congratulated the newly married couples and urged them to uphold the values and responsibilities of marriage in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
He also expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the ceremony, especially Dr. Mujidat Folashade Tinubu, Islamic clerics, and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.