As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth day, the Presidency Sunday in Abuja kicked against the denial of Nigerians and other Africans’ safe passage into neighbouring Poland and other safe territories, saying “all who flee conflict have an equal right to safe passage under UN Convention and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference.”
This is as it declared support for all diplomatic efforts required to restore peace and avoid a looming humanitarian crisis.
The Presidency’s position was made known in a statement signed late Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘Statement on Nigerian and citizens of other African countries in Ukraine’.
The Presidency said, “All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under UN Convention and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference.
“While efforts to begin talks between Russia and Ukraine are underway, paramount on our minds is the safety and human rights of some four thousand Nigerian citizens and many others from friendly African nations today stranded in Ukraine.
“There is a long history dating back to decades of Nigerians and other Africans studying in Ukraine, particularly medicine. The majority of Nigerian citizens in the country today are university-enrolled students.”
Citing video evidence, first-hand reports, and those in contact with their wards and Nigerian consular officials, the Presidency noted that there had been unfortunate reports of Ukrainian police and security personnel refusing to allow Nigerians to board buses and trains heading towards the Ukraine-Poland border.
It said, “In one video widely circulating on social media, a Nigerian mother with her young baby was filmed being physically forced to give up her seat to another person.
“There are also separate reports of Polish officials simply refusing Nigerian citizens’ entry into Poland from Ukraine.
One group of Nigerian students, having been repeatedly refused entry into Poland, have concluded they have no choice but to travel again across Ukraine and attempt to exit the country via the border with Hungary.
“We understand the pain and fear that is confronting all people who find themselves in this terrifying place. We also appreciate that those in official positions in security and border management will, in most cases, be experiencing impossible expectations in a situation they never expected.
“But, for that reason, it is paramount that everyone is treated with dignity and without favour.”
The Presidency expressed confidence in those educated in Kyiv, Kharkiv, other cities and centres of learning who have returned to Nigeria to perform great service for our nation and our people saying, “Without the generosity of spirit of the Ukrainian people that would never have been possible.
“We pray for those directly affected by this conflict.
“Nigeria, with our 200 million people, supports all and every diplomatic effort to bring this war to an end.”
© PUNCH.