Juliana Taiwo
17 December 2008
Abuja — President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua yesterday approved urgent humanitarian relief materials in support of South Africa 's efforts to take care of the influx of Zimbabwean refugees and the outbreak of cholera.
The President disclosed the approval at a farewell audience with the out-going High Commissioner of South Africa, Mr. Bangumzi Sifingo , in State House.
He said, "the time has really come for Nigeria and South Africa to lead the way and be seen clearly giving immediate assistance to the Zimbabwean refugees."
While steps are being taken to resolve the political stalemate in Zimbabwe, I believe we have a responsibility to do something to assist in humanitarian efforts before the problem spills out of control." President Yar'Adua who said that Nigeria and South Africa had a responsibility to lead the African continent, called for improved strategies in order to forge closer bilateral relations.
He stressed the need for both countries to speak with one voice on international issues, noting that "once Nigeria and South Africa take a stand on any issue, it will be respected by all nations."
In his remark earlier, Bangumzi who was departing Nigeria after nine years, briefed President Yar'Adua on the progress made at the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, and next year's summit of the body in Abuja.
He also conveyed his country's request for Nigeria's support for the humanitarian efforts his country had undertaken with regard to tackling the problem of Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa .
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Shows all how bad mugabe and regime have destroyed Zim when Nigeria and Botswana are giving AID to Zim! What next Somalia donates money to Zim!
Nigeria has the capacity to resettle the people of bakassi and further go on to help the people of Zimbabwe, the capacity is there.We should not hold it against the Zims that the Govt of Nigeria is doing less to assist the returnees from Bakassi. Nigeria definitely is not a poor country if well managed.Most of Nigeria,s stolen money is in Europe and America,they should be telling us when those funds will be returned,they (west) support thievery and it,s in their nature and in their blood.Be that as it is,that should,nt stop the Nigerian Govt from helping because… [Read Full Text]
rafil, how many hundreds of millions does Mugabe have stored overseas? I rest my case.
Zimbabwe is simply getting this campaign money, osh!!
YOU SEE YAR-ADUA, THE APOINTED PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, HOW HYPOCRITE HE IS ,JUST LIKE THE MAN WHO APPOINTED HIM, HOW CAN HE GIVE RELIEF TO ANOTHER COUNTRY CITIZENS ,YET NIGERIAN CITIZENS WHO HAVE BEEN CHASED AWAY FROM THEIR HOMELAND IN BAKASSI ,STILL DONT HAVE ANY HELP. TRUE BAD LICK LEADERS OF BLACK AFRICA