By Lanre Oloyede
Governors serving their first term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have strongly condemned the reported xenophobic attacks and killings of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable and calling for swift justice.
The governors made the demand in a communiqué issued after a closed-door meeting of the APC First-Term Governors’ Forum held at the Birnin Kebbi Governors’ Lodge, Kebbi State.
Reading the communiqué, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, urged the South African authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“While we respect the sovereignty of South Africa and our brotherly relations, we condemn all forms of xenophobia, mob violence and unlawful killings of foreign nationals anywhere in the world,” Idris said.
The forum appealed to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while diplomatic efforts continue to address the situation.
The governors stressed that Nigeria and South Africa, as two of Africa’s leading nations, must continue to strengthen their longstanding relationship on the principles of mutual respect, protection of citizens and shared continental interests.
Beyond the security concerns, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying their campaign would be anchored on measurable performance in governance rather than political rhetoric.
According to the communiqué, the governors resolved to intensify development efforts in agriculture, food security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, job creation and transparent governance to improve the lives of Nigerians.
The forum also commended President Tinubu for what it described as difficult but necessary reforms undertaken in the national interest, while urging the Federal Government to expand interventions aimed at reducing the economic hardship faced by citizens through increased support for food production, transportation, energy, small businesses and social protection programmes.
The meeting, chaired by Kaduna State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Uba Sani, was attended by 18 first-term APC governors, while the governors of Cross River, Niger and Katsina states sent apologies.
The governors concluded by pledging to pursue governance founded on “performance, not propaganda; service, not sentiment; unity, not division; and results, not noise.”
