Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation faced by Nigerians abroad, particularly highlighting that many who experience xenophobic attacks in South Africa prefer to stay there rather than return home.

Having recently come back to Nigeria, Obi shared these observations during a dinner for NDC aspirants held in Abuja on Monday.

This was further detailed in a statement released on Tuesday by the NDC media team.

He pointed out that, despite efforts to help distressed Nigerians return from South Africa, many have declined, stating that life in Nigeria is even more challenging.

“I just came back last night from South Africa. You know what Nigerians are going through in South Africa and so many other African countries,” Obi said.

“I finally addressed Nigerians. I told them that if we had things working in our country the way they should be, most of you wouldn’t be here.

“If you don’t know, we provided facilities for them to come back. But most of them told me they would rather die there than come back. They said things are even worse at home.”

Obi described a meeting with political figures and ex-President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, aiming to foster better relations between South Africans and fellow Africans.

“I took time to sit down with three ministers who are leaders of their own parties to plead with them about how things can work between South Africans and other African nationals, and we had a very fruitful discussion,” he added.

The ex-governor criticized the Federal Government, blaming it for neglecting Nigerians enduring difficulties abroad.

“It is not only in South Africa that Nigerians have problems, but they have problems in other countries. I have had the opportunity to speak to leaders in those countries.

“I have had cause to ask them if our government has visited and the answer is no. If your country is not there for you, who will care for you? Is it an outsider?” he queried.

Obi expressed deep concern over the worsening security conditions in the country, even though Nigeria has historically been a significant contributor to peacekeeping efforts worldwide.

“Nigeria played a role in securing nations since the Second World War. We have been part of peacekeeping and commanded United Nations peacekeeping forces globally.

“But today, Nigeria cannot secure itself. This is unacceptable,” he said.