Nigeria’s Dubai Situation at the Brink of Happening in South Africa.

By Olaniyi Abodedele (Chairman) Dec, 16 2022 | 16:20:27

A tsunami is coming, and it is coming so fast right in front of our eyes. I am not sure if we can see it as I do. Unfortunately, we do not all have the gifts of a third eye to see into the future. I am not sure we can do much at this point, even if we see it. The truth is that we protected and fed the monsters among us to a large extent, with our silence to become what they have turned out to be. Although, the South African system is corrupt, and the Police have not helped our case. These have also equipped and strengthened them to be much stronger.

But one fact remains, South Africans warned us in so many ways, and we would not listen. We often use bullying tactics and make so much noise on social media, to claim victims of hate. We pretend as if we do not know what many of our people do.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not in support of violence or xenophobia, and I will never do.

Please, spare me the usual phrase we often say “Nigerians are not the only ones involved in crimes in South Africa.” We know that, but what is our business with other nationals? Let us deal with the monsters among us, and let the others do the same.

Ok. Let us rewind and start again from the very beginning. Now let us keep our eyes on the price. What exactly was Nigeria’s situation in Dubai that is on the brink of happening in South Africa?

THE DUBAI STORY:

Sometime in July 2022, Nigerians in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, engaged in a deadly cult clash leading to the death of many and others seriously injured.

According to the videos, Nigerians were seen in the hallway wounded, and others; were being rushed to the hospital. It was a deadly show of shame in UAE as members of a cult group clashed with a rival group in broad daylight. The clash was said to have claimed at least 22 lives.

The aftermath of the clash prompted the UAE government, on Friday, 21st of October 2022, to impose visa restrictions on Nigerians after the cult clashes between the rival groups.

THE SITUATION IN SOUTH AFRICA AS IT STANDS:

South Africa, as it stands, is a breeding ground for Nigerian criminals, drug lords, street drug vendors, and cultists who have somehow found their way into the country. Over the years, cult and drug-related clashes have been consistent, leaving many dead. As the years go by, the clashes increases, with many more lives lost.

An undertaker who works with Nigerians says he has repatriated no less than 147 dead bodies to Nigeria this year, mostly gunshot victims, some burnt, and others decapitated.

Recently, between October and November 2022, in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, a deadly clash between Nigerian drug dealers claimed many lives. In December 2022, over 5 cult-related deaths occurred in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The atmosphere is tense as more attacks are imminent in the coming days and months.

On the rise are crimes against Nigerians by Nigerians. It is a matter of “The chicken has come home to roost.” The monsters we have been silent about have turned against us. The rich and the comfortable among us have become endangered species. They have become a target of robberies, kidnaps, and extortion by their people.

The theft of Nigerian Passports is on the rise by fellow Nigerians who sell them to those in the Assylum business.

THE CONSEQUENCES:

The attitude and lifestyle of some Nigerians have become unbearable to the South African government, the citizens, and even to many fellow Nigerians residing in South Africa. The consequences and downsides are what we are now experiencing from the government of South Africa.

Currently, Nigerians are denied visas to South Africa, and renewing permits is a mission for Nigerians and extremely difficult. Nigerian Medical Doctors, teachers, lecturers, and those in government Departments are systematically being frustrated and pushed out. Permits are being given based on the validity of the passports.

Those in Business without Permanent Residency (PR) or South African Identity document (ID) are only allowed to open one business account. Signatories to Associations' Bank Accounts are now streamlined only to holders of South African Identity Documents (ID).

According to an article of 6 June 2022 on Businesstech.co.za, it stated that declining budgets and a shrinking Police force are two of the biggest reasons behind the country's crime rate "The Congress of South African, Trade Unions (Cosatu) says declining budgets, and a shrinking Police force are two of the biggest reasons, behind the country’s growing crime rate."

It continued, "The country’s largest Trade Federation was commenting on South Africa’s latest SAPS statistics which show an increase in almost every crime category in the first three months of 2022."

“The austerity cuts that have slowed down the rate of recruitment of the police officers since 2014 and the lack of adequate funding for law enforcement agencies is the source of this deterioration in safety standards,” Cosatu said.

Most cases reported to the Police involving a Nigerian against another are thrown out and not entertained. They don’t care what happens, even if they kill each other. They are not ready to use their already declining budget and shrinking Police Force on cases that involve Nigerians.

Nigerian criminals know this. They work hand in hand with corrupt Police Officers, and that is why crime against Nigerians by Nigerians have increased. The kidnapping for ransom and extortion of well-to-do Nigerians is on the rise. They will boldly tell you the Police can't do anything if you report them.

This is not the time to BUGGA. If you must BUGGA, know where to BUGGA. Shine your eyes. Christmas is around the corner, so much desperation. Last last na everybody go chop breakfast.

Please, avoid these Nigerian hot spot areas: Sunnyside, Pretoria West, Johannesburg CBD, Hillbrow, Yeovil, Rosentiville, Kempton Park, Benoni, Germiston, and the Vaal.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all members of Nigeria Union, Gauteng. Please, stay safe and enjoy the festive season.