We’ve not recalled envoys from S’Africa, say Presidency

The Presidency on Monday denied recalling Nigeria’s envoys in South Africa over the ongoing xenophobia attacks.

Reuben Abati

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, made the Presidency’s position known in an interview with State House correspondents.

Abati said the reports of the recall was a mix up, saying what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did was just to invite the country’s Charge D’Affairs in South Africa for a routine consultation.

Describing the recall of an envoy as a serious and sensitive matter, the presidential spokesman said that had not been done now.

He said, “It is not true that Nigeria has recalled its envoy in South Africa on account of recent xenophobic attacks in that country.

“There is a mix up and misinformation on the matter.

“The truth is that Nigeria has not recalled his envoy from South Africa.

“What has been done is to invite the Charge D’Affairs in that country for routine consultation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Recall of envoy is a serious and sensitive matter, that has not happened.”

The Punch

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT ZUMA AND ANC ON VICTORY IN S’AFRICA’S GENERAL ELECTIONS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT ZUMA AND ANC ON VICTORY IN S'AFRICA'S GENERAL ELECTIONS
On behalf of himself and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates President Jacob Zuma and his party, the African National Congress (ANC) on their resounding victory in the South African general elections.
President Jonathan welcomes the ANC's victory, with over 60 per cent of the votes cast in the election to the South African Parliament and  provincial legislatures, as an affirmation of the enduring popularity of President Zuma and  the party of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Thambo and other great heroes  of the anti-apartheid movement, as well as a reaffirmation of the confidence of the majority of the people of South Africa in the ability of the ANC government to progressively achieve more inclusive national economic development and prosperity.

Trapped South African miners refuse to leave pit

The operation to rescue illegal gold miners trapped in an abandoned mine in South Africa has been halted overnight.

So far 11 miners have been rescued from the shaft near Johannesburg.

Other trapped miners refused to leave after discovering they faced arrest at the surface. It is unclear how many remain underground, with reports suggesting they could number 200.

A full rescue operation will not restart unless the miners request it, said an emergency services official.