Ahmed Isah, host of the Brekete Family human rights programme, has warned that Nigerians face discrimination far beyond South Africa's borders. Speaking on Wednesday, the personality known as "Ordinary President" raised alarm about mistreatment of Nigerians worldwide.
South Africa has witnessed deadly xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, and other African migrants in recent months. The violence has sparked fresh conversations about the treatment of foreign nationals in the country.
Isah noted that the hostility extends to other African nationals in South Africa too. "Look at how they treat Zimbabweans, Rwandans, Tanzanians — those who share borders with them," he said on the programme.
But there's a stark difference, he argued. According to him, Nigerians face uniquely harsh treatment compared to other foreign nationals.
He highlighted South Africa's historical debt to Nigeria. During apartheid, South African freedom fighters found refuge here and received scholarships to study in Nigerian institutions.
"South Africa regained freedom partly because we contributed," Isah noted. "Yet now they treat our citizens with anger and bitterness."
His criticism didn't stop at South Africa. Isah claimed that discrimination against Nigerians is systematic across the globe.
"Visit Canadian prisons, Indian jails, facilities in other nations," he said. "You'll find Nigerians disproportionately represented there."
He blamed Nigeria's ineffective leadership for the problem. Without strong governance and diplomatic muscle, he argued, the country cannot protect its citizens abroad.
Isah's comments reflect growing frustration among Nigerians over how the government handles cases of citizens facing abuse overseas. Advocacy groups have echoed similar concerns about the lack of diplomatic intervention.
