By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
SENATOR Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to impose strong economic countermeasures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The senator, representing Edo North Senatorial District, made the remarks during plenary, as the House of Representatives also denounced the latest wave of violence and demanded urgent diplomatic steps to protect Nigerians abroad.
Positioning the crisis as both a security and economic concern, Oshiomhole insisted that Nigeria must go beyond sympathy and adopt firm, reciprocal actions.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Oshiomole was caught saying thus: “I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV which is also a South African company that is carting away millions of dollars.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to shed tears,” he said.
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
He proposed that Nigeria consider nationalising the Nigerian operations of MTN Group and withdrawing its licence, alleging that the company repatriates substantial revenue while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day. That Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.
Oshiomhole also advocated similar action against MultiChoice, the operators of DStv, accusing the firm of economic exploitation and calling for increased indigenous participation in key sectors.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is carting away millions of dollars,” he said.
Linking the attacks to internal political dynamics in South Africa, the former Edo State governor argued that anti-immigrant rhetoric has increasingly influenced public opinion and policy, often targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole
He maintained that Nigerians in South Africa are productive contributors to the economy, not a burden, stressing that a decisive response from Nigeria would compel a shift in attitude from the South African government.
“These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn. Many are traders while others are high skilled workers.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
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