The federal government has denied “recalling” its envoys in South Africa. The government  clarified the decision to “invite” its Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Martin Cobham, and Deputy, Uche Ajulu-okeke.

Speaking on the current diplomatic row between the two countries, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, said the envoy was not recalled but summoned for consultation. “Please disregard rumours and reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recalled its High Commissioner to South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa for consultation. He was not recalled,” Obanikoro said.

The Senate last week called on the Federal Government to recall the Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa for proper consultation on the recent incidence of xenophobic attacks. The South Africa government had expressed “regret” at the decision.

At least seven people have been killed during the attack on foreign nationals. None were Nigerian but a number of these were said to have been rendered homeless.

Credit: CAJ News