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With South African singer Tyla expected in Nigeria for an upcoming event, Senator Natasha H. Akpoti Uduaghan has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to apply the principle of reciprocity following the confirmed denial of entry visas to Nigerian music star Ayra Starr and members of her team by South African authorities.
The senator said Nigeria should review visa applications from South African artistes and their entourages, arguing that the country should not overlook situations where its citizens are treated unfairly abroad. According to her, reciprocal measures remain an important part of international relations and should be used whenever necessary to ensure that Nigerians receive the same level of respect they extend to others.
Ayra Starr's inability to travel to South Africa after the visa denial reportedly forced the cancellation of her scheduled engagements, a development that has sparked conversations about how Nigerian artistes are treated when travelling for international events.
Akpoti said her position is not about targeting any individual entertainer. She specifically stated that her call should not be interpreted as being directed at Tyla, explaining that her concern is centred on Nigeria's foreign policy and the need for fairness in the treatment of Nigerian citizens.
She wrote:
"Principle of Reciprocity in Foreign Policy
I call on the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government of Nigeria to review the visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages in accordance with the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy.
If it is confirmed that our Nigerian artiste Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, leading to the cancellation of their engagements, then Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes are accorded fair and respectful treatment.
This is not a call against Tyla as an individual. Rather, it is a call for Nigeria to uphold the principle of mutual respect that underpins international relations. Reciprocity is a recognized instrument of diplomacy. When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences.
Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided.
Viva Nigeria 🇳🇬
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Kogi Central"
The senator maintained that the issue goes beyond entertainment and should be viewed through the lens of diplomacy. She said every nation has a responsibility to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens, adding that respect between countries should never be one-sided.
Her statement comes as attention remains on the circumstances surrounding Ayra Starr's denied visas and what Nigeria's response should be. While making her position known, Akpoti insisted that the focus should remain on reciprocal treatment between both countries rather than on any particular South African artiste.
If adopted, the approach she proposed would see Nigeria assess visa applications from South African entertainers using the same standard Nigerian artistes receive when seeking entry into South Africa. According to the senator, such a move would reinforce the principle that mutual respect should remain at the centre of relations between both countries.
#NatashaAkpoti
#AyraStarr
#Tyla #VisaDenial
#NigeriaSouthAfrica
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