The Progressive Students Movement (PSM) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for taking far-reaching steps to stop xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by South Africans during his ongoing state visit to South Africa.
The PSM, a pan-African students organisation, also lauded Buhari for using his state visit to South Africa to strengthen African unity and oneness.
The President of PSM in Nigeria, Mr Bestman Okereafor, gave the commendation in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday.
Okereafor said it was a great relief that Buhari unequivocally condemned in strongest terms attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa as well as the looting of their shops, businesses and burning of their properties.
According to him, PSM aligns with Buhari’s call for the implementation of all necessary measures to prevent recurrence of xenophobic attacks, which he said, threatened the strong bilateral relations and vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
“PSM is, however, relieved with the signing of 32 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) by President Buhari and South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa, to strengthen bilateral trade, security and understanding between Nigeria and South Africa.
“PSM also wish to call on South African Government to ensure that all agreements between both countries are reached, aimed at strengthening Africa Unity, are fully carried out by the country’s government and her people.
“Even as we anticipate a national monumental center in the heart of South African capital in honour of Nigerians killed and in further appreciation of Nigeria’s fatherly support to South Africa during the apartheid struggle,’’ he said.
Okereafor also urged the South African Government to ensure sincerity of purpose to all its submission and agreement during President Buhari’s visit.
“The government must muster the political-will to carry out all existing and recently signed agreements,’’ he said. (NAN)