Eminent Jurist Emmanuel Okechukwu Jnr. Canvasses Halt To Xenophobic Attacks Against Blacks In South Africa
By Michael Ezenwata
Perturbed by the conscienceless xenophobic onslaught against blacks by South Africa blacks in South Africa, a frontline legal expert in Anambra State Barrister Emmanuel Okechukwu Jnr. has linked the tragedy to the failure of leadership in South Africa.
In a press statement in Awka condemning the abominable acts of brigandage, gangsterism and destruction, Barrister Okechukwu Jnr. a former Chairman Awka branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, recalled with disbelief that the same South African blacks Nigerians and some black nations fought for during the apartheid era have turned against their brothers.
The irony of the situation according to him, is that the white South African population, offsprings of their former apartheid oppressors have risen in defence of the immigrants blacks in a historic pro immigrants protest, a lesson for Africans and the aggressors.
The legal expert expressed concern over the aloofness of the Nigerian government which appears to play the ostrich on the issue, wondering why some South Africa interests in Nigeria such as MTN, etc are being protected if not for some selfish reasons from high quarters.
He called on the black nations in Africa to rise in unison to confront the South African government which appears to be playing the drummer in the bush playing music for the dancing bird along the busy path.
On the issue of state police which has received the imprimatur of the national assembly, the Jurist welcomed the development, but urged that for the project to be deemed as uhuru, full autonomy should be given to the states to have their own inspectors general of police.
He advocated a return to regional government where states should control their resources, have their state police with all full compliments, run their internal affairs without interference from the central government where departments like the military, common currency, same national anthem, among other national attributes should be shared by the regions.
