Oshiomhole Issues Fiery Warning to South Africa, Threatens Economic Retaliation
Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has sparked fresh controversy with a hardline stance on Nigeria–South Africa relations, declaring that Nigeria must be prepared to retaliate decisively against perceived injustices toward its citizens.
In a strongly worded statement, Oshiomhole warned that continued attacks or mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa could provoke sweeping economic countermeasures from Nigeria.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will not only talk, he’ll go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated and we do not condone any one life being lost,” he said.
The former labour leader did not mince words as he condemned the killing of Nigerians abroad, framing it as an affront to national dignity.
“To kill our people, as if we’re headless? We’re not,” he added.
Oshiomhole further suggested drastic steps, including targeting major South African business interests operating in Nigeria.
Specifically, he mentioned telecoms giant MTN Group and pay-TV provider MultiChoice Group, operators of DStv.
“By the time we turn their economy into hardship, we withdraw MTN licence, we revoke DStv license, those coming from South Africa will have good jobs to do,” he stated.
Calling for a forceful approach, Oshiomhole argued that only reciprocal pressure would restore balance and compel respect.
“When we have this balance of madness, I believe there’ll be sanity. Let us fight in a manner that they’ll be the one begging.”
His remarks come amid recurring tensions over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, an issue that has periodically strained diplomatic relations between both countries.
While the Nigerian government has often pursued diplomatic channels to address such concerns, Oshiomhole’s comments reflect a more aggressive school of thought advocating economic and political retaliation.
Analysts say such rhetoric, if echoed at policy level, could have far-reaching implications for bilateral trade and investments between Africa’s two largest economies.
The South African government has yet to respond to the latest remarks.
