The leadership of the House of Representatives has expressed
displeasure over the inhuman treatment meted out on some Nigerians by the
Chinese authorities in Beijing.
He said China must explain its humiliating action on
Nigerians, adding that the House was waiting to hear from the Chinese
ambassador at least by Tuesday next week.
The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila said this on
Thursday during a meeting with Zhou Pingjian, the Chinese Ambassador to
Nigeria.
The lawmaker said the inhuman treatment on Nigerians in the
Asian country must be addressed forthwith.
Also in attendance at the meeting were the Minority Leader,
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu and Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Toby Okechukwu.
The Speaker went further to say that viral media
reports/videos from Beijing showed citizens of the West African nation being forced
out of their houses and hotels, rounded up and their passports seized by the
Chinese police.
He pointed out that viral videos also showed that some
Nigerians were being forced into another 14-day quarantine after the initial 14
days they spent for the same purpose over the Covid-19 pandemic in China.
Gbajabiamila told Pingjian that there should be an official
explanation for treating Nigerians in such a manner.
He demanded to know if the Chinese Ambassador has taken up
the issue with his home country, adding, “If the diplomatic relationships
between our two countries are for the mutual benefits of our citizens, then
there must be respect for our citizens, and we should not compromise it.
“As a government, we will not allow Chinese or other
nationals to be maltreated just as we will not allow Nigerians to be maltreated
in other countries.
“The way you treat your citizens, we expect that’s how
you’ll treat others. We will not tolerate our citizens breaking your laws, but
the crime of one citizen cannot be used to stigmatize the whole country.
“It appears that’s what happened in this case. You can’t use
one brush to smear the whole wall. Whatever the reason, it cannot be used and
taken out on the entire community in China”.
In his response, Ambassador Pingjian said though he has not
been officially informed about the details of the incident, he would take it up
with the home government.
Speaking further, Gbajabiamila said the House will expect
feedback from the Ambassador as soon as possible, saying “We are glad you are
looking into it but we are hoping to have it at least by Tuesday.
“It is better we nip it in the bud so that it doesn’t
escalate to another level. So, by Tuesday, if you have the information to give
us, if steps have been taken, let’s talk about it and let’s see the way
forward.”
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