Reps ask South Africa to probe killing of Nigerian

The House of Representatives has asked South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, to ensure that the killers of a Nigerian businessman in South Africa, Ikejiaku Chinedu, are brought to book.

Chinedu was killed by some unidentified men last Tuesday.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukeje, in an interview with newsmen, also urged President Zuma and the South African parliament to enlighten their constituents on the role Nigeria played in their country’s development.

Ukeje, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, was reacting to Chinedu’s death and other Nigerians executed in Indonesia on Thursday for drug trafficking.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the lawmaker said the House would ensure that justice was done for the Igbo businessman.

Ukeje said it was important for President Zuma to address the South African parliament just like he did when he came to Nigeria earlier in the year.

The lawmaker said, “We got the report of the man killed in South Africa yesterday. The Nigerian embassy had written a protest letter, insisting on a proper investigation. The House of Representatives had also condemned the arbitrary killings of Nigeria, especially in South Africa. We are going to protest and insist that the perpetrators of the act be brought to book.

“It is necessary for the South African parliament to enlighten their people on the role that Nigeria played in their history. It will be recalled that when President Zuma came to Nigeria, he spoke very proudly of the contributions of Nigeria to South Africa. Many South Africans are not aware of this. The killing of Nigerians must stop.”

The House of Representatives also condemned the killing of three Nigerians who were convicted of drug trafficking on Thursday.

She added, “We commiserate with the families of those that were executed in Indonesia. While we will intervene in the cases of Nigerians abroad, and plead for clemency, the House has a duty to remind Nigerians, who are travelling outside the country, to recognise that the House of Representatives can only make laws for the good governance of Nigeria.

“Indonesia is one of many countries that still have a death penalty for drug trafficking. We can plead for clemency. We can ask them to temper justice with mercy. However, we want Nigerians to realise that while we would plead, we can’t stop the countries from implementing their laws.”