‘Thank The President For What?’ Nigerians In South Africa Demand Action, Not Assurances
Stranded Nigerians Challenge Consul’s Appeal as Evacuation Delay Fuels Anger
Consul General Assures Citizens of Ongoing Evacuation Efforts
FRUSTRATIONS mounted among stranded Nigerians in South Africa after the Nigerian Consul General urged them to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s efforts to evacuate them, despite uncertainty over when the operation would be completed.
Addressing the affected citizens, the envoy acknowledged that he could not provide a definite date for their return but assured them that the matter remained a priority for Nigerian authorities.
He urged the stranded Nigerians to trust the country’s diplomatic mission, stressing that officials were working behind the scenes to facilitate their evacuation.
“I don’t have a date to give today, but what you need to know is that it is at the top of the table. We are working on it, and you will be taken home,” he said.
The Consul General also appealed to the group to publicly acknowledge the President’s intervention, asking them to say, “Thank you, Mr. President,” while expressing hope that the evacuation process would be accelerated.
Emotional Reactions from Stranded Nigerians
The remarks immediately drew strong reactions from several Nigerians, many of whom questioned why they should be expected to express gratitude while remaining stranded abroad.
One of the affected citizens responded by asking, “Thank you for what?” before describing the financial and emotional hardships many evacuees had endured.
According to the individual, numerous Nigerians had vacated their rented apartments and disposed of personal belongings after being instructed to prepare for evacuation, believing they would soon return home.
Instead, they now find themselves stranded without clear information on when the process will be concluded.
Comparisons with Other African Countries
Some of the stranded Nigerians compared Nigeria’s response with those of other African countries, claiming that governments such as Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique had already evacuated their nationals.
The comparison, they argued, has intensified feelings of disappointment among Nigerians awaiting assistance.
They said the prolonged delay has left families, including women and children, exposed to difficult conditions during South Africa’s winter season after responding to official instructions to assemble for evacuation.
Growing Questions Over Government Response
Some evacuees also criticised what they described as the slow pace of the Federal Government’s response, arguing that citizens who had complied with official directives deserved clearer communication and quicker action.
One speaker maintained that elected leaders have a responsibility to protect Nigerians both at home and abroad, insisting that the priority should be completing the evacuation rather than requesting expressions of appreciation.
Debate Spreads Beyond South Africa
The exchange has since generated widespread discussion on social media, where Nigerians continue to debate the government’s handling of the evacuation exercise.
While some defended the efforts of diplomatic officials working under challenging circumstances, others argued that tangible action and the safe return of stranded citizens would be the most meaningful measure of government performance.
As discussions continue, many of those awaiting evacuation say their immediate concern remains receiving a clear timetable and returning home safely.
