The House of Representatives has expressed deep concerns about the recent allegations of discrimination against Nigerians at a supermarket in Abuja operated by Chinese nationals, promising that it will get to the root of the matter and ensure redress where necessary.
The House Committee on China/Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, which disclosed the legislative position, said as a committee tasked with fostering positive and mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and China, it was important to emphasise that such discriminatory practices if substantiated by relevant authorities, go against the principles of friendship and cooperation both Nigeria and China have worked hard to cultivate over the years.
In a statement jointly signed by the chairman, of the House Committee on China/Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, Jaafaru Yakubu and House spokesman/chairman of, the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, Jr., the lawmakers said they believed in the importance of mutual respect and understanding between nations and the House condemned any form of discrimination or prejudice. The House however urged all parties involved to approach the issues with sensitivity and open-mindedness and to work towards finding peaceful and constructive solutions, warning that, “It is crucial that we do not let isolated incidents tarnish the strong bonds of friendship that exist between Nigeria and China.”
