The leadership of the House of Representatives has expressed displeasure over the inhuman treatment meted out on some Nigerians by the Chinese authorities in Beijing.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said this at a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, that the inhuman treatment on Nigerians in China must be addressed forthwith as he went ahead to confront the Ambassador with the protest video of the incidence where a Nigerian was seen challenging Chinese officials over the maltreatment.
At the meeting, which had in attendance the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu and the Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu, the Speaker said viral media reports/videos from Beijing showed Nigerians being forced out of their houses and hotels, rounded up and their passports seized by the Chinese police.
The viral videos also showed that some Nigerians were being forced into another 14-day quarantine after the initial 14 days they spent for same purpose over the Covid-19 pandemic in China.
The Speaker said there should be an official explanation for treating Nigerians in such a manner.
While asking the Chinese Ambassador if he has taken up the issue with his home country, the Speaker said, the diplomatic relationships between Nigeria and China are for the mutual benefits of both country’s citizens, hence, there must be respect for Nigerian Citizens that should not be compromised.
In his response, Ambassador Pingjian said though he has not been officially informed about the details of the incidence but he would take it up with the home government.
The Speaker said the House will expect a feedback from the Ambassador as soon as possible.
The Speaker also sought to understand the specific mandate of the Chinese medical team that arrived Nigeria on Wednesday and if they are on quarantine.
The Ambassador said the Chinese medical personnel are in full quarantine and ready to observe all protocols as stipulated by Nigeria.
