The House of Representatives has called on the executive arm of the federal government to prioritise the protection of lives of Nigerians living abroad.
He advocated that the executive should leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice for compatriots who have suffered injustice and oppression in the hands of foreign nationals.
This was in reaction to the recent murder of a Nigerian, Mr Ebuka Nwoko in South Africa.
The House on Wednesday, mandated its Committee on Diaspora to investigate the murder in South Africa and other cases of unlawful killings/torture of Nigerians living in diaspora and report back in four weeks for further legislative action.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Orere, who expressed grave concern over the recent reports of unlawful killings, torture, and inhumane treatment of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa.
He said Mr. Ebuka Nwoko, 43, well known as Jeff, was allegedly murdered while in the custody of South African security officials in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa.
While expressing profound disappointment and condemnation of the avoidable actions by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), which are a violation of human rights and the rule of law, he said “section 11 of the South African Constitution guarantees the right to life and as such, upholds the dignity of human life.”
He argued that being a democratic state, South Africa “is obligated to treat all people with dignity and afford full protection of the law, regardless of nationality, colour, or creed, especially by law enforcement officers.”
