The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has applauded the recent evacuation of Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Segun Ogedengbe, the group noted that the Nigerian authorities had been living up to its responsibility of catering to the needs of Nigerians stranded in South Africa
The statement read in full: “It is noted that the federal government had been responsive to the task of evacuating Nigerians from South Africa starting with the first batch of 258 returnees aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
“Similarly, another 66 Nigerians were also evacuated from South Africa and arrived in Nigeria a few days ago. We acknowledge that despite the teething problems associated with the evacuation the federal government under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has devised workable strategies to overcome them and bring the stranded Nigerians back home.
“We also acknowledge that this is an ongoing evacuation exercise and any problems associated with the logistics would eventually ease off. This is the first time we are seeing citizen diplomacy in action.
“Previously, Nigerians abroad who encounter serious problems in their countries of abode are left to suffer their fate without any government assistance and attention, but under the President Tinubu administration we are witnessing a proactive approach to the plight of Nigerians living in foreign countries.
“We believe that this is the right way to go if we are to be respected in the comity of nations. Our citizens are our greatest treasure and we must guard their rights jealously no matter where they are domiciled in the world.
“This is what makes America and other developed countries great and respected all over the world and it is gratifying that the new minister of foreign affairs, Bianca Ojukwu is embarking on a policy of citizen diplomacy with the prompt evacuation of Nigerians from imminent danger being faced in the unprecedented xenophobic violent attacks that recently erupted across South Africa.
“We therefore applaud the policy as being implemented by the Ministry and urge the minister to continue in her good works by ensuring that Nigerians suffering all kinds of injustices across the globe are returned home or provided means of getting justice.”
The group also commended Minister Ojukwu for ensuring that the foreign affairs policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration is well articulated on her watch.
