Nigerian immigration officials on Monday night refused 28 South African nationals entry into Nigeria in what appeared to be a retaliatory move following the deportation of 125 Nigerian passengers from South Africa, who had arrived onboard an Arik Air flight last the weekend.
South Africa and Nigeria have maintained good relations over the years stretching to the Anti-apathied era in south Africa, when Nigeria offered immense support to the majority black rule in South Africa over the racist government. But it appears that relations between the 2 countries might not be that "rosy" anymore.
The South African immigration officials had accused the deported Nigerian passengers of being in possession of fake yellow fever certificates few days ago, But the federal government of Nigeria through the foreign Minister Olugbenga Ashiru Monday issued the South African Government a warning to either behave or face sanctions from Nigeria.
The South African government has however not issued any formal communication concerning the incident.
The barred South African nationals had arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport onboard a South African Airways flight which originated from Johannesburg and touched down at about 9.30 pm
A senior immigration official at the international airport confirmed the development to THEWILL Tuesday morning, saying, the South African passengers have been deported.
A source said: “The Federal Government
decided to deny these 28 South Africans entry because of invalid documents and
relevant health certificate clearance. “We are also deporting them back to South
Africa. The Presidency has been notified of this action.
“We will no longer overlook certain
procedures which we have condoned in the spirit of African
brotherhood.”
Earlier yesterday, Nigeria had
threatened to retaliate South Africa’s maltreatment of Nigerians. Interior
Minister Albo Moro said: “I want to assure you on one thing. The Federal
Government has the capacity to reciprocate appropriately if it is found that
(the deportation) was not done in good faith.”
He added: “At the moment, Nigeria
maintains a very cordial diplomatic relations with South Africa and I can assure
you that we will react appropriately if it is found that South Africa has taken
unfriendly action against Nigeria.
Moro spoke to reporters at the Presidential
Villa in Abuja.
Also yesterday, the Federal Government
summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley
Mambolo.
YESTERDAY NIGHT
The diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa deepened as another batch of 16 South Africans were deported from the country.
This brings to 44 the number of South Africans deported from Nigeria in two days.
Immigration sources at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos said the 16 deportees, who arrived in Nigeria aboard a South African Airways Airbus A330 at about 8:30pm, were denied entry due “improper travel documents”.
According to the sources, the exercise was supervised by the Deputy Controller of Immigration in charge of the MMIA, Mrs. Rebecca Ayuba.
Ayuba was said to be acting on ‘order from above’.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayYESTERDAY NIGHT
The diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa deepened as another batch of 16 South Africans were deported from the country.
This brings to 44 the number of South Africans deported from Nigeria in two days.
Immigration sources at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos said the 16 deportees, who arrived in Nigeria aboard a South African Airways Airbus A330 at about 8:30pm, were denied entry due “improper travel documents”.
According to the sources, the exercise was supervised by the Deputy Controller of Immigration in charge of the MMIA, Mrs. Rebecca Ayuba.
Ayuba was said to be acting on ‘order from above’.
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“We will no longer overlook certain procedures which we have condoned in the spirit of African brotherhood.”
ReplyDeleteThis statement shows that the Nigerian government is not serious at all. Where in the world will they over-look enssentials and allow you into their country in the spirit of "brotherhood".
we have togolese, ghanians,Britons, Americans, indians, Lebanese etc living and making money in nigeria without the appropriate residency and work permits. they are reducing our portions of the national cake. they don't pay tax but some of them live in the best areas of Nigeria.
Its hi time Nigeria rediscovers herself to prevent embarrasment from all these nations that are suppose to be looking up to her for favours. Every Dick and Harry wanna go to South Africa for greener pasture perhaps bcos of the situation of things in Nigeria. Govt should forthwith go tough on all foreigners living or wishing to come to Nigeria by enforcing strict compliance of our immigration policies.As far as Nigeria is concerned-No Nation is Indispensable.
ReplyDeleteinteresting... we will no longer over look procedures, can some one just tell me the responsibility in that statement
ReplyDeleteThis shows that Our country call Nigeria is porous, You can imagine where every animal from all over the planet come Nigeria to do all types of illegal business, given all sorts of security coverage, stay in ever green places yet no documents to show, upon that given license to bring in fuel without get registered with CAC, well whoever involve in all this illegalities will have theirselves to blame as it will reach a level where there will be no job for Nigerians, the consequences of this is will be insecurity as we are crying now. Mr president take action now........on the issue of South Africa.
ReplyDelete