SUNTV Global Channel | News Desk | May 4, 2026
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu over his ongoing diplomatic tours to France, Kenya, and Rwanda, amid renewed reports of violent attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa.
In a strongly worded public memo released on Monday, Ezekwesili described the President’s continued foreign engagements at this time as a “serious failure of leadership,” arguing that Nigeria’s response to the crisis has been inadequate and disconnected from the urgency of the situation.
“Return home, Mr President,” she wrote, insisting that it was unacceptable for the head of state to be on a three-nation trip while Nigerians abroad were reportedly being attacked and killed.
She said the recurring incidents of violence, looting, harassment, and intimidation against Nigerians in South Africa can no longer be treated as routine diplomatic concerns, warning that the situation reflects a deeper disregard for the lives of Nigerian citizens.
Ezekwesili also faulted the government’s usual responses, such as issuing statements, summoning envoys, and advising caution, describing them as insufficient and repetitive.
According to her, Nigerians affected by the violence deserve concrete protection and measurable action, not what she called “recycled outrage and weak diplomacy.”
She urged the Federal Government to immediately demand detailed accountability from South African authorities, including verified data on deaths, injuries, arrests, prosecutions, compensation claims, and unresolved cases involving Nigerians.
Ezekwesili further called for the establishment of a time-bound justice framework to ensure proper investigation, prosecution, restitution, and transparent reporting from South Africa.
She also emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s consular protection systems globally, arguing that many Nigerians abroad remain vulnerable due to weak emergency response structures.
“The government must ensure every Nigerian abroad knows where to seek help and how quickly intervention can be activated,” she stated.
The former minister warned that continued inaction would further damage the credibility and legitimacy of the Nigerian government, adding that stronger diplomatic pressure would compel decisive action from South African authorities.
Reflecting on historical ties between both countries, Ezekwesili recalled Nigeria’s strong support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, saying that the current attacks on Nigerians represent a painful betrayal of that shared history.
She concluded with a direct appeal to President Tinubu to suspend his foreign trips and return to address urgent national and international responsibilities.
“Nigerian lives must matter everywhere,” she said, calling for immediate and decisive government action.
The Federal Government is yet to issue an official response to Ezekwesili’s remarks at the time of filing this report.
