Nigerian Senator Urges Revoking MTN, DStv Licenses Over SA Attacks

Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole called on Tuesday for the revocation of operating licenses for South African companies including MTN and MultiChoice, the owner of DStv, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during a Senate plenary session in Abuja, Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North and formerly governed Edo State, urged economic retaliation rather than mere diplomatic protests. He argued that Nigeria should nationalize MTN's operations and revoke DStv's license to counter revenue repatriation by the firms and create jobs for Nigerians. "I don't want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have died. We didn't come here to share tears. If you hit me, I'll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It's an economic struggle," Oshiomhole said. He added that such measures would force South African leaders to address the violence, stating, "When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated."

The remarks came during debate on a motion titled "A call for urgent national diplomatic and humanitarian action to defend the dignity, safety and...