Xenophobia: Attack on MTN, others not in our interest

Varied reactions have greeted the xenophobic incidence against Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa and the reprisal attacks against MTN and other South African interests here in Nigeria. While there were strident criticisms against xenophobia in any part of the globe, the recourse to self-help in its resolution was denounced, report Simeon Ebulu and Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

The xenophobic attacks in South Africa against Nigerians and their businesses and the counter attacks on MTN Nigeria  and other  South African  firms in this clime have been described as unhealthy and should be nipped in the bud.

Stakeholders, who bared their minds on the issue, agreed that the trend should not be allowed to continue.

The Senior Partner/Director, Africa Region Board of PKF Professional Services, an Accounting and Business Advisory firm, Tajudeen Akande, said a categorical ‘No’ to the inquisition as to whether the development was healthy, either to South Africa or Nigeria, if we decide to pay them back in their own coin.

“No it doesn’t help,” he said, adding that it will adversely affect their economy.

“The last time I had them send trainers here, or bring conferences here was maybe, 2003 or so. Unfortunately, South Africa is doing this, which is not going to be good for their economy. It shouldn’t happen, but unfortunately, it is happening,” he stated.

“There was a time I proposed to have a board meeting in South Africa, I was like, can we do it through teleconference or we go to another place. Of course if I can react that way, a big investor will also react that way,” he said, pointing out that “on the diplomatic level, we shouldn’t be doing a retaliatory thing with MTN because, as he put it, “ we are beyond that. As long as we are able to demonstrate that we are beyond that, then we are in a position of strength,” he stated.

Citing other climes, Akande said: “Look at what is in the Middle East, you see that in whatever way you see it, Britain has handled it above emotional reaction. You won’t see the kind of emotional reaction you will see from Russia or Trump’s America of today,” adding,  “we must understand that it is in their psyche. Those people the (South Africans), since they were born, they have known nothing other than struggle.”

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) President, Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs, who condemned the xenophobic attacks as unhelpful and unhealthy for businesses,   distanced himself from the retaliatory attacks  on  South African business interests. “I don’t think it’s the right thing,” he said, adding, you don’t pay violence with violence.” Udemba, who was a bit hesitant in responding to the issue on the ground that those affected were not manufacturers with whom he superintends, said the action of those who embarked on the reprisal attacks in Nigeria, was wrong, pointing out that the incident would affect Nigerians in the long-run. “it’s not the right thing to do, obviously it is going to affect Nigerians who work in those organisations,” if the development is allowed to fester and not checked. He said those who took part in the exercise, “were not properly advised.”

Udemba called for a resolution of the issues through diplomatic channels by the embassies of Nigeria and South Africa.

Also,  a real estate consultant/ Chief Executive Officer, D. L. Maurice Concern, Mr. Maurice David, told The Nation that the  retaliatory action was like using a knife to cut oneself.

He said: “If we react against MTN, we are reacting against thousands of Nigerian families that are employed by this outfit. If we react against DSTV, we are going against the daily bread – winners of many families. If we go against Stanbic IBTC, we are sending thousands of Nigerians into the labour market thereby worsening the already bad economy of many homes.

“ It will have an adverse effect on the nation’s economy, crime rate will soar due to the probable high number of people that will be affected and that will consequently join the unemployment market,” he stated.

The Managing Director, Infinite Holdings Limited, Mr. Archibong Williams, a company with core interest in  renewable energy, telecommunications and safety systems engineering, said since the world has become a global village for business activities and relationships; we need each other at certain curves whether we like it or not.

He said the people attacking fellow Africans that live in their country, “seem not to belong to the global community, otherwise they wouldn’t have embarked on the hate campaign.”

The actions of the South African  xenophobics have clearly defined who they are, that they’re oblivious of the interconnectedness and dynamism of modern entrepreneurship.

He said: “Embarking on retaliatory move will worsen the situation and make mess of our big brother status in the continent.  I will rather suggest a constructive political engagement and diplomacy between the two governments.”

Also, Security Consultant and Head of Operations, APV Security Consultants, Mr. Archibong Archibong, said the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa is a disturbing trend that has come into being in recent years.

He said the development has not augured well for businesses on both sides of the divide because it has bred distrust and suspicion among people who ordinarily should be close brothers, enjoying trade with one another and developing their economies.

He called on both governments to take a strong stand on the matter so that it does not affect bilateral trade amongst business partners from the two countries, saying the development presently has the potential of doing so  if the trend is allowed to continue.

Archibong said: ”I do not support reprisal attacks on South African interests because it amounts to biting your nose to spite your face. Such attacks will only result in placing some Nigerians in a position of disadvantage and suffering through the loss of their jobs as a result of these attacks.

“There is nothing to be gained by responding to violence with violence because Nigerians are the ones who will lose at both ends of the divide,’ he added.

South Afriacan retail giant, Shoprite Nigeria, also lent its voice in criticising the xenophobic attacks, saying it condemned any  xenophobic violence and intimidation against the citizens of other countries.

In a statement in the wake of the attacks, Shoprite said it was highly concerned at the acts of violence against foreign nationals that sporadically flare up in South Africa and the resultant rhetoric of intolerance that is now being levelled against South Africans living in Nigeria.

As a company with deep African roots which employs thousands of African nationals and most importantly works to bring low prices to 14 countries outside of South Africa, “we would like to see an end to xenophobia across the continent,” it said, adding, “ Shoprite appealed to the public to protect the human dignity and safety of all people living in both countries.

“We remain committed to working with industry and the appropriate consumer groups to engage so that decisive action is taken against those involved in violent crimes and intimidation against foreign nationals as well as to convey our strong position against xenophobia,” the company stated.