Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, on Saturday, reaffirmed the unions commitment to protecting Nigerians in the country.

Speaking at the National Congress of the union in Johannesburg, Anyene said that the body assisted in the release of 60 Africans detained by the police during a protest early in the year.

He said that majority of the detained persons were Nigerians who went to renew their resident documents at the Home Affairs Office.

He said the union hired lawyers who negotiated the release of the detainees.

Anyene also said that the union sponsored some executive members on a trip to Nigeria to meet senior government officials and the National Assembly committees on Diaspora.

He said that the trip made it possible for the leadership of the national assembly to engage the South African delegation during President Jacob Zuma`s visit to Nigeria, on issues bothering security of Nigerians in their country.

“We got an assurance from our foreign minister that the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission will be resuscitated, and he promised that the union will be part of the commission.

“Some of the things that we raised require ongoing discussion, especially police brutality and immigration matters.”

Anyene disclosed that Ward chapters of the union had been opened in many provinces in South Africa.

He urged Nigerians to be law-abiding, and to promote Nigeria’s image in the foreign land “and ensure that they engage in legitimate businesses.”

Anyene commended Nigeria`s Consul-General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, for supporting the union and ensuring adequate protection for Nigerians in the country. (NAN)

•Photo shows Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke.

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