Trust my neighbour, though he admits that the similarity is not significant, he insists there is a similarity between the recent xenophobia crisis and that piercing line from biblical history, “… There arose a Pharaoh that knew not Joseph.” I told him I was listening.

Those who are carrying out the xenophobic attacks do not know of the relationship between Mbazulike Amaechi (nicknamed The Boy is Good by his admirers) and Mandela. The two were an inseparable pair in the 60s, when Mandela stayed briefly in Lagos. Mbazulike Amaechi was minister of state for Transport at the time. He was a bachelor as was Mandela. And they had many fond times together. In fact, when Mandela visited Nigeria after South Africa got her Independence, he insisted on seeing his good friend. He did. He had come to Nigeria to express his deep appreciation for Nigeria’s invaluable contributions, over the long period that eventually led to their Independence. But he did not forget his friend, Mbazulike Amaechi. Unfortunately, many who have arisen and do not know this bit of their history, have joined in the condemnable attacks.