Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged the Federal Government to end South African control of MTN and transfer ownership to Nigerians in response to recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking on Arise News, the Edo North senator said MTN’s majority South African ownership should be removed even though the company is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and has Nigerian shareholders.
“I’m aware that MTN is quoted on the stock exchange. Nigerian shareholders can hold on to their shares, but we should take away South African control. We should re-privatise it so Nigerians can take it over, and there would be no repatriation of funds to South Africa,” Oshiomhole said.
He linked the call to recent xenophobic violence against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. Oshiomhole referenced remarks allegedly made during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s campaign about foreigners taking jobs meant for South Africans, saying high unemployment there had fueled resentment toward other Africans.
“Life is more important. Nigeria should not look for investors who choose wealth over human life,” he said.
Oshiomhole argued that protecting Nigerian citizens should come before preserving foreign business interests, stressing that no investor’s stake should be valued above a Nigerian life.
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