Former Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lamented that despite efforts to facilitate the return of distressed Nigerians facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, many rejected the offer.
Peter Obi made this known at a dinner organised for Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirants in Abuja on Monday.
The former Governor of Anambra State revealed that during interaction with some Nigerians in South Africa, many insisted that conditions in Nigeria were worse and would rather die in the country.
He said, “I just came back last night from South Africa. You know what Nigerians are going through in South Africa and so many other African countries.
“I finally addressed Nigerians. I told them that if we had things working in our country the way they should be, most of you wouldn’t be here.
“If you don’t know, we provided facilities for them to come back. But most of them told me they would rather die there than come back. They said things are even worse at home.”
Peter Obi also revealed that he met with political leaders and former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, to seek improved relations between South Africans and other African nationals.
He also faulted the Federal Government for its failure to support Nigerians facing hardship abroad, noting that Nigerians have problems not only in South Africa.
He stressed, “I took time to sit down with three ministers who are leaders of their own parties to plead with them about how things can work between South Africans and other African nationals, and we had a very fruitful discussion.
“It is not only in South Africa that Nigerians have problems, but they have problems in other countries. I have had the opportunity to speak to leaders in those countries.
“I have had cause to ask them if our government has visited and the answer is no. If your country is not there for you, who will care for you? Is it an outsider?”
Peter Obi further lamented the country’s deteriorating security situation, despite Nigeria’s historical role in global peacekeeping operations.
He added, “Nigeria played a role in securing nations since the Second World War. We have been part of peacekeeping and commanded United Nations peacekeeping forces globally.
“But today, Nigeria cannot secure itself. This is unacceptable.”