After
one week of diplomatic stand off, the South-African government, on
Thursday, apologised to the Federal Government for deporting 125
Nigerians from the country on March 2. The Nigerian travellers were
deported for allegedly presenting fake yellow fever vaccination cards.
The Nigerian government, which disputed the claim and
took reciprocal actions to show its displeasure, said on Thursday that
it had accepted the apology.
Nigeria had deported a total of 131 South Africans
before the resolution of the row. Some reports had also claimed that
South Africa had deported an additional 25 Nigerian travellers in
retaliation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga
Ashiru, who announced the end of hostilities, at a Press Conference, in
Abuja, said machinery had been put in motion to ensure a permanent
truce.
Ashiru said, “Today, I can confirm to you that I have
received a letter from the South African Foreign Minister apologising
for the course of action and the deportation of 125 Nigerians last week.
“What it means is that, for you gentlemen of the
press, we have reached the end of the exchange of statements between the
time this incident happened and today.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and
of course, of the President, I, as the Foreign Minister, will accept the
apology; I will be sending a letter back to my counterpart in South
Africa, accepting the apology of the South African government.
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