The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has called on public officials to be proactive in their service delivery to avoid harassment abroad.

The president of NICASA, Ben Okoli, spoke in a telephone interview on Saturday against the backdrop of grieving African nationals attacking public officials abroad over issues of poor governance in their home countries.

According to him, public officials should be more proactive and live up to the citizens’ expectations to avoid attacks.

Nonetheless, he condemned the harassment of public officeholders abroad, urging Nigerians to support the government.

“At the same time, we will enjoin the political class in Nigeria to live up to citizens’ expectations and not play to the gallery.

“People have high hopes and expectations, and when these hopes are dashed, and needs are not met, they will have resentment and, of course, attacks,” Mr Okoli said.

He explained that such could result in unnecessary attacks against political officeholders when found outside the shores of Nigeria.

 “So, I hope they will learn lessons from what has been happening, even in other African countries.

“We do not want such to happen to our political office holders because they should be respected and accorded dignity due them.

“It is pertinent to note that you cannot stop the masses from overreacting to what is happening.”

(NAN)