Chief Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu, a 2027 presidential aspirant in Nigeria and former senatorial candidate of Action Peoples Party (APP) in the 2025 Anambra South Senatorial District Election, has used the occasion of the new month of May 2026 to extend warm wishes to all Africans, praying for a fruitful, peaceful, and prosperous month across the continent.
Chief Onyemelukwe strongly condemned the unlawful killings of foreigners in South Africa, particularly fellow Africans from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. He also criticized the restrictions placed on foreign nationals in accessing public health facilities in South Africa.
He reminded South Africans of the historic support given by other African nations during the apartheid era. Using Nigeria as an example, Chief Onyemelukwe stated that Nigeria provided secret military training and strategic assistance to anti-apartheid freedom fighters. He further noted that Nigeria used its economic influence to challenge nations that supported the apartheid regime. For instance, in 1979, the Nigerian government nationalized BP operations in Nigeria to pressure the United Kingdom into imposing sanctions on South Africa. Nigeria also refused to sell oil to the apartheid government.
Furthermore, he stated that Nigeria established the South African Relief Fund (SARF) to support the liberation struggle, with civil servants and students contributing portions of their earnings. Nigeria also played a major diplomatic role by chairing the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid for many years, helping to isolate the apartheid regime globally.
Chief Onyemelukwe also noted that Nigeria hosted hundreds of South African political exiles and issued more than 300 Nigerian passports to South Africans, enabling them to travel internationally and campaign against apartheid. In addition, he emphasized that Nigeria provided scholarships and free education to many black South Africans in Nigerian universities and institutions.
He further observed that South African businesses continue to thrive peacefully in Nigeria without harassment or destabilization by Nigerians. These include MTN Group, MultiChoice (DSTV and GOtv), Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Protea Hotels, Vodacom, PEP Stores, SABMiller, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Black Rhino, and Clover Industries. He stated that over 110 South African firms are operating successfully in Nigeria today without disturbances.
Chief Onyemelukwe said it would be a grave mistake for Southern Africans to continue acts of inhumanity against their fellow Africans. He stressed that God is watching, and humanity is also watching.
In conclusion, Chief Onyemelukwe urged the people and Government of South Africa to embrace the spirit of African unity by accommodating fellow Africans living in their country. He reminded them that during their years of hardship, these same African nations stood firmly in solidarity with them.
Long live Nigeria.
Long live Africa.
Long Live United Nations
