Former Nigerian lawmaker Shehu Sani has strongly condemned the attacks on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following his approval of a visa relaxation policy for Nigerian businessmen and tourists.
The decision, which allows Nigerians to apply for a visa with just a copy of their passport—submitting the original document later—has sparked outrage among some South Africans.
Critics on social media are expressing their dissatisfaction with the South African government’s policy, accusing it of “selling” the country to Nigeria.
Some have even called for President Ramaphosa to resign over the move, alleging that it would lead to an influx of Nigerians intending to “destroy” South Africa
The criticism intensified as detractors called for the reversal of the visa relaxation, arguing that it prioritized foreign relations over the welfare and concerns of South African citizens.
The outcry has been echoed in an open letter to Ramaphosa, as well as widespread online condemnation.
In response to the backlash, Shehu Sani, who has been an outspoken advocate for Pan-African unity, defended the South African president.
Sani took to his X account, where he described the attacks as “unfortunate.”
He further pointed out that many of the critics appeared to be uninformed about the historical role Nigeria played in South Africa’s struggle for liberation, as well as the significant investments South Africa has made in Nigeria.
Sani also suggested that the anger was more prevalent among South African men, noting that the women of South Africa had historically been strong advocates of Pan-Africanism.
“The attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa by some South Africans because of his approval of visa relaxation for Nigerians is unfortunate,” Sani wrote.
“They are ignorant of the historic role of Nigeria in their struggle for liberation and they are also ignorant of the multi-billion-dollar South African investments in Nigeria.”
He continued, “Though I noticed that most of those not happy with Nigerians are the South African men and not the other gender who have proven to be the real Pan Africanists.”
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa’s visa decision is seen by some as a step towards fostering closer ties, others remain wary of the potential social and economic impacts.