Yesterday, the House Chair on Diaspora, Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere, made a powerful statement on the floor of the House, addressing the recent murder and ongoing mistreatment of Nigerians living abroad. Leveraging his position as Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Okere introduced a motion that has drawn significant attention to the plight of Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in light of the brutal killing of 43-year-old Ebuka Nwoko, commonly known as Jeff, in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa.
Jeff’s tragic death, which occurred while he was in the custody of the South African security unit, has sparked outrage and deep concern. “It is shocking, to say the least,” Hon. Okere remarked, “that a country like South Africa, with so many ties and bonds with Nigeria, could allow such a crude act against a Nigerian right in their security claws.” His comments reflect the profound disappointment and frustration felt by many Nigerians over the perceived indifference and hostility that their compatriots face in certain foreign nations.
Hon. Okere’s motion calls for a thorough investigation into Jeff’s death and demands accountability from the South African authorities. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring justice for Nigerians who have faced injustices and undue hardships abroad. “No stone should be left unturned in the pursuit of justice for our brothers and sisters who have suffered in the hands of their foreign hosts,” he declared, underscoring his commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians globally.
The Chairman highlighted the disparity in treatment between foreigners in Nigeria and Nigerians abroad. “If foreigners are loved and not harassed in our nation, I see no reason our compatriots should be harassed, or yet murdered, in a foreign land,” he asserted. This call for reciprocal respect and humane treatment resonates strongly with the values of justice and equality.
Hon. Okere concluded his speech with a solemn prayer for the soul of Mr. Ebuka Nwoko, hoping for peace and solace for his family and loved ones. “May Nigeria regain her rightful place among the nations of the world,” he added, expressing a vision of a more respected and powerful Nigeria on the global stage.
The motion introduced by Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere is not just a response to a single tragic event but a clarion call for the protection and respect of Nigerian citizens wherever they may reside. It reflects a broader commitment to addressing the systemic issues of discrimination and violence that Nigerians face in the diaspora, urging both Nigerian and foreign authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals.
AH Abuja
