A former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has called for solidarity between ‘brothers’ South Africa and Nigeria amidst ongoing tensions between the two African countries. Recall, the past week has been filled with troubling issues between the two countries. This time, the issue revolves around the ride-hailing service, Bolt.
In a provocative attempt to spite Nigerians, humiliate Nigerian drivers, and cause disruption, some South Africans were said to have been ordering Bolt rides in Nigeria from South Africa, only to cancel the order when the driver arrived at the agreed location. Not to be outdone, Nigerians reciprocated by also ordering rides and cancelling; the tug of war between citizens of both countries led to Bolt suspending some of its services in both countries. In an open letter on his ‘X’ account, Omokri outlined the need for peaceful relations, particularly concerning Nigerian immigrants in South Africa and their treatment.
He stressed Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the apartheid era, noting that notable South African leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, were once political asylum seekers in Nigeria. “Thank you for briefly lending me your ears. What many of you, our South African brothers and sisters, who are today railing about Nigerian immigrants, fail to appreciate is that your first elected President, Nelson Mandela, was once an immigrant and political asylee in Nigeria, where he .