Senator Natasha Akpoti has called on the Nigerian government and Immigration Service to reciprocate South Africa’s alleged denial of visas to Nigerian singer Ayra Starr by reviewing visa applications for South African artistes, including Tyla, amid ongoing tensions over attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti, has called on the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to reciprocate South Africa’s actions in line with foreign policy principles.
Daily Post reports that she made the call on Thursday evening while reacting to a campaign by Nigerians against South African singer Tyla’s concert in Lagos amid attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
It was also reported that the South African government recently denied singer Ayra Starr and her crew visas, leading to the cancellation of her show in the country.
Speaking amid the ongoing calls by Nigerians to boycott Tyla’s concert in Nigeria, Senator Natasha urged the Federal Government to “respond with equivalent measures,” as provided for under foreign policy.
Lamenting what she described as disrespect towards Nigerians, Natasha, in an Instagram post, noted that “reciprocity is a recognized instrument of diplomacy.”
“I call on the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government of Nigeria to review the visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages in accordance with the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy,” she said.
“If it is confirmed that our Nigerian artiste, Ayra Starr, and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, leading to the cancellation of their engagements, then Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes are accorded fair and respectful treatment,” she added.
Natasha clarified that her position was not directed against Tyla personally, but rather a call for Nigeria to uphold mutual respect in international relations.
“This is not a call against Tyla as an individual. Rather, it is a call for Nigeria to uphold the principle of mutual respect that underpins international relations… Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided,” she stated.
NEWS NOW:
