Nigeria internationals, notable stars across the entertainment industry and fans have lend their voices and clout against Xenophobic attacks in South Africa after ugly, bloody images emerged on Tuesday.
AFCON 2019 bronze medalist John Ogu, former Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, music icons Wizkid Ayo, Peter PSquare and Tuface Idibia are among the super stars who have condemned the recent attacks by South Africans on foreigners, mostly Nigerians, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
There has always been a deep, intense rivalry between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa but it has always been one of mutual respect. Outside the pitch, however, the rivalry acquires a political undertone and takes an ugly, sometimes bloody dimension.
Pockets of attacks on innocent Nigerians have been recorded in the past. But these fresh attacks are not unconnected with inciting comments credited to the Deputy Minister of Police of South Africa, who accused foreigners of ‘dominating’ their host cities.
WATCH | “You won’t find South Africans in other countries dominating a city up to 80%… we cannot surrender South Africa to foreign nationals.” ~ South Africa Deputy Minister of Police Bongani Mkongi #XenophobicAttacks #Xenophobia pic.twitter.com/vSUwzytRv9
— SIGNAL (@thesignalng) September 2, 2019
But voices of reason and sanity are beginning to speak against such barbarities.
Football stars first…
This is crazy ! This has to stop !! https://t.co/NtEDwWOKQ9
— Carl Ikeme (@Carl_Ikeme) September 3, 2019
https://www.twitter.com/ogujohnugo/status/1168829231742296065
Musical superstars also…
Disheartening to watch these videos from my home! You’re fighting the wrong war , fighting the wrong people. How do we walk around hating each other? Africa is one! We’re all the same people! Pls don’t loose yourself! #SayNoToXenophobia One Love ❤️
— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) September 3, 2019
https://www.twitter.com/PeterPsquare/status/1168837362304081921
African Queen crooner Tuface Idibia wrote on his Twitter account: “President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator, governors, traditional rulers, ministers, prominent Nigerians, Inspector generals, PDP/APC.
“This is becoming too shameful. How can we have no dignity in our polity?
“ Nigerians are being killed home and abroad and its all politics as usual. Shame.
“The real enemy of Africa is laughing once again. We need a massive reduction, re-orientation and reorganisation of Africa. Some idiot and backward thinking South Africans have embarrassed the whole continent once again and the problem has shifted from that 2 celebrities.
“Some of these celebrities are tired of shouting Africa unite all the time. We know the real enemies and until we stand up together and stop patronising them, we will remain mental slaves.” He later deleted the message.
Football fans and administrators gave their two cents as well…
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the repeated violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. The Federal Government must immediately liaise with the South African authorities to protect the lives and livelihoods of all our citizens.#SayNoToXenophobia
— Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (@IAOkowa) September 3, 2019
“Why would politicians choose to face the rightful anger (from) millions of poor and hopeless South Africans when they can revert to anti-immigrant rhetoric and shift blame to those who have no voice”#SayNoToXenophobia https://t.co/LHe6mHqkhF
— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) September 3, 2019
https://www.twitter.com/segalink/status/1168785413462474753
#SouthAfrica police seen shooting a Nigerian who was trying to video them.@olaniyanabbeye @NigeriaGov @honilatte#Xenophobia #XenophobicAttack #EnoughIsEnough #Xenophobic #SayNoToXenophobia #Nigeria pic.twitter.com/LxLvWbuJMT
— AyeMojubar ☣️ (@ayemojubar) September 3, 2019
I don’t rate South African men at this point … and I’m not trying to create any form of animosity between us and them (that they don’t already feel against us)
It is really sad that In 2019 Xenophobia is what we are still facing and discussing as a problem— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) September 3, 2019
We at Soccernet.ng Say No To Xenophobic attacks!!!