PENGASSAN condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has condemned the xenophobic attacks on migrants in South Africa.

It called on the South African government to as a matter of urgency end the attacks on foreigners in the country.

The oil workers union also demanded that the South African government should ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime that has led to the death of many foreigners in South Africa are brought to book.

In a statement signed by PENGASSAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana, the union noted that the disturbing report on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa has aggravated to the level of heinous killings of fellow Africans and foreigners, which leaves much to be desired.

Further expressing the standpoint of PENGASSAN, Comrade Ojugbana asserted: “There should be no basis to justify any xenophobic act in South Africa which the world is greatly admiring as a model in the handling of multiracial state status.

“By our divergent background and orientation, the process of interrelating and building consensus is key for harmonization of conflictual views and standpoints. Conflicts and disputes are sometime inevitable, but must be managed in a manner that lives, properties and interests would not be put in jeopardy.

“The South African Government on its part must ensure that the xenophobic act is expediently and permanently apprehended and never should it happen again. All steps and actions required to pacify and appease the affected Countries and their Nationals must be followed with strong assurances of our joint faith and with due regards for our strong ties and bonds as non-discriminatory black race.

“Strict adherence to the rule of law and due process must be followed and exhausted in dealing with our unresolved differences. Culprits must be brought to book to demonstrate to the world that there is no complicity on the part of South African Government.”

The union’s spokesperson therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently put in place machinery that could adequately develop the nation’s economy, create enabling environment, opportunities for gainful employment, particularly in the oil and gas sector and economic empowerment, and check brain drain, human and capital flight to encourage Nigerians to reside in the country.

The union leader noted that the optimization of the oil and gas sector has the potentials for limitless job creation opportunities that could make many Nigerians seeking greener pasture in other countries to proudly grow this career or economic prospects in Nigeria.