….mandate committee to investigate circumstances
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to set up.strategies for the protection of Nigerians living in Diaspora over cases of
unlawful killings and torture.
The lawmakers at the Green Chambers also urged the Federal Government to prioritize the protection of lives of Nigerians living abroad and leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice for compatriots who have suffered injustice and oppression in the hands of foreign nationals.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national public importance moved during plenary yesterday by Hon Tochukwu Chinedu Orere.
In his defense for the motion, the lawmaker raised concern over the recent reports of unlawful killings, torture, and inhumane treatment of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa,S/A.
According to the lawmaker, Ebuka Nwoko, 43, popularly known as Jeff, was allegedly murdered while in the custody of South African security officials in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa.
The lawmaker who is also the
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora and a Member Representing Owerri Municipal, Owerri West and Owerri North Federal Constituency in the National Assembly used the occasion to condernmed in strong term the actions of south African police.
He further expresses profound disappointment and condemnation of what he called” avoidable actions” by members of the South African Police Service, SAPS, adding that such illegality were in violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The lawmaker also cited section 11 of the South African Constitution which he explained supposed to guarantees the right to life and as such, upholds the dignity of human life.
He informed that South Africa as a democratic state is obligated to treat all people with dignity and afford full protection of the law, regardless of nationality, color among others most especially by law enforcement Officers.
He pointed out that the recent tragic and paintul death of Ebuka Nwoko, a 43vear-Old Nigerian allegedly murdered while in the custody of South Atrican security officials, is yet another harrowing example of the severe mistreatment being faced by Nigerians living in that country.
He expressed Saddness, that Nigerian lives are continuously devalued and disregarded, even in nations that claim to uphold democratic values and the rule of law such as South Africa, a nation Nigeria once looked up to as a beacon of hope and progress.
Most lawmakers who contributed during the debate emphasizes the need to engage with the relevant authorities in South Africa, including the South African Government and law enforcement agencies, to ensure that justice is served, and measures are taken to properly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Ebuka Nwoko.
“We owe it to our citizens, both home and abroad, to take a stand against the systemic injustice and abuse they face”.
Consequently, the lawmakers observed a minute silence in honor of the deceased while the committee on Diaspora was mandated to investigate the murder
