- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has turned down meeting with a special envoy sent by the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The South African delegation, led by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, had, according to sources, arrived at the Presidential Villa on Friday in a bid to meet with Tinubu.
The delegation were reportedly sent by Ramaphosa to convey a message to the Nigerian President.
They were however alleged to have arrived and sought a meeting with Tinubu without prior notice.
According to presidency sources, Tinubu declined their request for a meeting as he directed them to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
One of the sources, as quoted by Leadership, explained the circumstances surrounding the visit.
“They actually came here on Friday wanting to see the President. But there was no prior notice.
“And we said we can’t just allow you to see the President without first asking him if he is available. So we asked, and the President said they could come on Monday.
“But when Monday came, he simply said they should go and meet the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, and whatever they discuss, the minister would come and brief him.” The source
The delegation reportedly remained in Abuja throughout the weekend before holding discussions with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as directed by the President.
The development had since raised bi-lateral tension amid renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.