Renowned Nigerian author and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has stirred controversy with his recent revelations regarding disparaging comments made by high-ranking South African public holders about Nigerians.
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Omokri shared screenshots of the alleged remarks, which he claimed depict Nigerians as “uncouth people” in the eyes of some South Africans.
According to Omokri, one of the screenshots captured a comment attributed to Clayson Monyela, the South African Government’s Head of Public Diplomacy, implying that he needed to “play nice” with Nigerians due to his job description.
Omokri expressed concern over the remarks, emphasizing that they were made by influential figures who shape public opinion in South Africa.
Taking to social media, Omokri urged Nigerians still patronising South African companies such as MTN, DSTV, and Shoprite to reconsider their support in light of these derogatory remarks.
He alleged that South African officials and intellectuals view Nigerians with disdain and only tolerate them because of the substantial revenue generated by Nigerian consumers for South African companies.
In his statement, Omokri highlighted the significant financial contributions made by Nigerians to South African corporations, estimating a daily repatriation of $12 million to South Africa.
He expressed apprehension about how Nigerians would be treated if not for this economic incentive, suggesting that the alleged disrespect from South African officials reflects broader sentiments within the country.
While acknowledging that the remarks may not represent the official stance of the South African government, Omokri underscored the need for Nigerians to assert their dignity and support local businesses as a means of combating such disrespect.
He called on Nigerians to boycott South African companies and instead patronize Nigerian-owned businesses and products.
He wrote:
“I urge Nigerians still patronising MTN, DSTV and Shoprite to read how South African officials and intellectuals view us. As “uncouth people”. They are only “playing nice” and tolerating us because of the $12 million MTN, DSTV and Shoprite are making from Nigeria and repatriating to South Africa every day. Were it not for that, I shudder to think of how they would treat us. Mind you, these are not random individuals. These are government officials and public intellectuals. These are the people who shape public opinion in South Africa.
“Maybe this was not the most diplomatic thing South Africa’s official ‘Head of Public Diplomacy’ could have said.
“You and I can stop this disrespect by using only Glo to make calls, watching only Channels, AIT, etc, and buying Dangote and other made-in-Nigeria staples at local stores and markets.”
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
