PENGASSAN Decries Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa

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

In a statement signed by PENGASSAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana in Abuja, the association urged the country’s government to take urgent measures to end the attacks on foreigners.

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

It said that the report was disturbing, adding that there was no justification for the act.

“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 multi-racial state status.

“By our divergent background and orientation, the process of interrelating and building consensus is key for harmonisation of conflicting views and standpoints.

“Conflicts and disputes are sometimes 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 the South African Government”, the statement said.

It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to urgently put in place a machinery that would adequately develop the nation’s economy, create the enabling environment and opportunities for gainful employment, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

It noted that the optimization of the oil and gas sector had the potential for limitless job creation opportunities that could make many Nigerians seeking greener pasture in other countries to proudly grow this career. (NAN)