'Excommunicating' Zuma from Buhari's Inauguration

Jacob Zuma

By 'Lekan Ogunyinka

At a time like this when Nigerians both home and in diaspora are embittered about the dearth of fuel that has threatened to bring the whole nation to a gridlock, there is a growing anticipation among many that there will surely be light at the end of the tunnel when a new government is ushered in come May 29. As at the last count, not less than 50 heads of States have confirmed their participation in the event which is billed to take place at the Eagles Square in Abuja. Among these notable dignitaries that have decided to witness what many has described as a new dawn in Nigeria's democratic landscape is South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma.

Zuma it will be recalled was the first to be confirmed by his spokesperson, Mac Maharaj among the long list of important personalities that will grace Muhammadu Buhari's inauguration. However, as thoughtful as his intention may be in celebrating with a sister country, the role he played in the xenophobic attack that overwhelmed his country between March and April this year leaves much to be desired and it is still fresh in the memories of Nigerians.

In the wake of the attack which started as a result of a labour dispute between citizens and foreign workers, the South African President attributed the xenophobic scourge to the contributions of sister countries who left their countries for South Africa. This statement clearly disrupt his earlier submission that immigrants contribute to the nation's economy and bring skills that are in demand, and should not be stereotyped as criminals.

It is on record that over 2 million documented and undocumented immigrants among which are Nigerians live and work in Zuma's country, a figure that makes up for about 4% of the total population of South Africa. Rather than take a decisive action that will immediately quell the unrest and bring the perpetrators to book, the number one citizen engaged himself in public speeches that neither brought succor to the affected immigrants or those observing from afar.

Nigeria whose citizens were also affected in this inhumane act will never forget in a hurry the role she played during the apartheid regime of 20 years torture and struggle that the Madiba people went through. All these effort towards the liberation of South Africa seems to have been forgotten by our fellow African brothers especially by their head who should know. Till date Zuma has failed to make any meaningful statement about the cruel-some act of his country men and has also failed to accost the Zulu King who was alleged to have made the statement that led to the xenophobic scourge.

President Jacob Zuma remorsefully went ahead to apologize to Mozambique one of the countries also affected in the unrest but failed to extend the same gesture to Nigeria who some of its citizens lost their valuables, including millions of cash and buildings in the attacks. He was however quick to condemn Nigeria's withdrawal of its High Commissioner, Martin Cobham and Deputy High Commissioner Uche Ajulu-Okeke as unfortunate and regrettable noting that it is sad that Nigeria's action is a ploy to explore such a painful episode.

It would also be recalled that the government of Zuma failed to give Nigeria a deserved recognition by disallowing President Goodluck Jonathan from making a speech at Nelson Mandela's Memorial service held at the FBN stadium in Johannesburg. This was nothing but a slap on Nigeria whose contributions to Mandela's freedom and the entire South African people from Apartheid can not be quantified.

All the deeds of Zuma is still fresh in the memories of Nigeria and Nigerians. As thoughtful as his intentions may be in honouring Nigeria by attending Buhari's inauguration, there is no doubt that people especially Nigerians will wear a long face when the cameras settles on Zuma's face. For someone who has failed not only in apologizing to a country of Nigeria's standing but has also refused to recognize its big brother role in Africa, attending a function of such magnitude where the whole world will be watching is like rubbing his many insults on our face.

It is never too late for organizers of the inauguration to bar Jacob Zuma from showing his face at Eagles Square come May 29. His attendance will neither take anything away from the event nor add to it. Excommunicating the South African President will also serve as a deterrent to other African countries to always treat fairly fellow African brothers especially during torrid times such as the one that happened in Zuma's country.