The Private Telecommunications
and Communications Senior Staff
Association of Nigeria and its MTN
Branch have called on the
governments of Nigeria and South
Africa to explore all diplomatic
means to end the violence against
Nigerians in South Africa and
reprisal in Nigeria.


In a statement on Thursday, the
association described the violence
in both countries as unfortunate
and disturbing, adding that it
should be nipped in the bud before it destroys the age-long relations between both countries.


The statement signed by PTECSSAN General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, and PTECSSAN MTN Branch, Elisha Adamu, urged the government to take immediate steps against organisers and perpetrators of
these attacks on Nigerians and
other Africans in the country.



The association said, “We understand the pain and
frustration of our people because
of xenophobia in South Africa but
we must not as a people succumb
to the temptation of reprisal as
this will be tantamount to
stooping so low to the level of the
South Africans.

“We must know that any reprisal is uncivilised and will be
counterproductive, hence, condemnable.

“Workers in MTN Nigeria and other businesses of South African origin are Nigerians not South Africans.


“Therefore, those involved in the
reprisal must have a rethink and
refrain from further attack in the
interest of our economy and
wellbeing.


“It is irrational for Nigerians to
attack Nigerians, their means and
places of livelihood.
“Nigeria is currently battling with a high rate of unemployment and
any act capable of worsening the
situation must be condemned,
discouraged and resisted by all and sundry.