Xenophobia: When You Are In Rome, Do As The Romans Do, Buhari To Nigerians In South Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari is in South Africa on a three-day state visit on invitation by the South African government.

The president left Nigeria on Wednesday through the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu in a statement had said the visit was at the instance of President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the welfare of Nigerians, and enhance the relations between both countries.

Mr Shehu said during his visit, Buhari will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians in South Africa to reassure them of government’s commitment in protecting their lives and property amidst xenophobic scare.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Pretoria, South Africa, called for tolerance, vigilance and heightened security in countries to ensure the safety of citizens.

He noted that competition heralded by globalisation, especially with ease in migration, will only get more intense for businesses.

The president likened the situation of Nigerians in South Africa to Ghana where competition at low levels of the economy breeds intense competition, noting that it will keep growing with population explosion.

Mr Buhari told Nigerians living in various parts of the world, especially in South Africa, to adhere to the laws of the country they reside and ensure compliance with market laws.

“Like it is said, ‘when you are in Rome behave like the Romans’. Always be law-abiding.