By Elizabeth Uwandu

COMRADE Martins Abiodun, president of University of Lagos Student Union, ULSU, speaks on the reason behind the recent protest on xenophobia to the South Africa embassy on Monday and of his government. The ULSU president said he and his team went to present a manifesto to the SA embassy to address the xenophobia menace on foreigners, especially Nigerians living there,as failure of South Africa’s government to address this issue within 24hours will result in swift action by Nigerians.

According to the manifesto the Union presented to the South African government which reads in part; ”Social cohesion is guaranteed for success and development. Therefore, immigrants should not be seen as enemies of progress. Nigeria and Nigerians in the last four decades have been supportive in helping fo fight apartheid and other social injustice such as racism.’’

Martins Abiound added: “You see, Nigeria has assisted South Africans in many aspects; during apartheid we succored them, we provided them an enabling environment for investments. Check for instance, South African companies like MTN, Shoprite stores, and DSTV, among others, make huge profit in Nigeria. “On the other hand, Nigerians in South Africa do not have companies of their own but operate individual enterprises yet we Nigerians are killed and molested at the slightest provocation by them.

“For the above reasons , my team decided that if any country can come to Nigeria and we accommodate them, why can’t they do same to Nigerians in diaspora. Hence the protest was staged to demand justice for Nigerians and also caution the South African government against a repeat as they will be able to face the repercussion.” Comrade Abiodun further said, “Presently, they await the government of South Africa to address the issue of xenophobia. as it stands South Africa is a monument of ingratitude and the government and people of South Africa must take all steps to change this perception or suffer dire consequence.

“We therefore, implore South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, to put hands on deck in bringing the attackers to book and ensure outright normalcy so that peaceful co-existence enjoyed before this occurrence will be restored.” On the issue of his short stay as ULSU president, Comrade Abiodun said that it only a person without vision that complains of time.

A person with vision, mission and will, does not bank on the shortage of time. I have 5 months as president and with the principle of true leadership, that is the 3Cs- Consultation, Consultation and Confrontation, my government will achieve more on the issue of students’ welfare , and also address the case of extortion by organizers of shows from the students. We also, at intervals, will organise press briefings on both national and international issues.