Senator Adams Oshiomhole has demanded that Nigeria hit back at South African companies operating here. Speaking during Tuesday's plenary session, he urged the Federal Government to revoke operating licenses held by firms like MTN and DSTV.
His call follows renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Businesses have been destroyed and citizens assaulted in the ongoing violence.
Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must respond with force to what he sees as deliberate hostility. "If you hit me, I hit you," he told fellow senators during the heated debate.
According to him, diplomacy demands swift action when citizens face attacks abroad. "I am not going to shed tears," the senator noted firmly.
He suggested that Nigerians should reclaim jobs at major South African firms operating in the country. Both MTN and DSTV have significant operations and employment footprints in Nigeria.
Once Nigeria retaliates, Oshiomhole argued, South Africa's president will be forced to negotiate. "The President of South Africa will not only talk but also go on his knees," he stated.
Yet Oshiomhole insisted Nigeria won't tolerate murder of its citizens. He acknowledged that legitimate crimes should be prosecuted under South African law.
But indiscriminate killing is unacceptable, he said. "We will not allow that," Oshiomhole declared to lawmakers.
Multiple reports confirm that Nigerians across South Africa face ongoing attacks. Property destruction and violence have become increasingly common in recent weeks.
