In what appears to be a move to de-escalate tension between Nigeria and South Africa, Presidency on Thursday said Nigeria is yet to recall its High Commissioner in South Africa.

A Senior President Source at the Presidency told Journalists on Thursday that the country is yet to recall its High Commissioner

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, had on Wednesday, hinted of the move, when he stated that that government may, if necessary, be inciting the Nigerian High Commissioner to brief the administration.

The top Presidency aide who do not want his name in print, said “ It was not a recall”

“A recall at this time, even if not ruled out would be a short-sighted move. Not having diplomatic contact is not a good development for now. Our envoy will remain at his post.

“What President Muhammadu Buhari did was to request the foreign minister to speak to his counterpart in South Africa to convey the seriousness of the concerns of the government and people of Nigeria. This, he has already done.

“The meaning of recall of Ambassador is an indication of extreme displeasure and disagreement, a sign of how grievously report has deteriorated between any two countries. It is the penultimate step before the breaking off of diplomatic relationship.

“Nigeria does not seek escalation of the on-going situation. We will work with South Africa to find solutions to their problems which have become our own problem. We will work as brothers. That is the by the mission by the President’s Special Envoy to South Africa, which is the second and presidential directive, is going ahead.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, also on Thursday urged African leaders to strive to protect the rights and businesses of fellow Africans within their domain.

In a statement issued by his media assistant, Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja, the former president emphasized the need for leaders to protect lives and property on the continent.

Jonathan, against the backdrop of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, in a key note address at the ongoing International Peace Summit in Sao Tome and Principe, said that sustainable development is only possible in an atmosphere of peace and security.

According to him, “To make meaningful progress, Africans must be encouraged to treat one another as brothers and sisters, in love and unity. Relations within and between nations should never be allowed to degenerate to a level where citizens will resort to self-help by visiting violence on fellow Africans and their legitimate business interests.

“Growth and development can only be cultivated and sustained when leaders ensure that the rights and freedoms of citizens as well as migrants are respected and protected.”

The statement noted that the conference has in attendance many serving and former African leaders including Sao Tome President Evaristo Carvalho, Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus, former President of Niger Mahamane Ousmane and former President of Guinea Bissau Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo.

The Former President who is the Chairman of the the African wing of the newly inaugurated  International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), also noted that good governance, where peace and security reign, is the way to a peaceful and prosperous continent.

He called on leaders to first build hope in the lives of the people because hope inspires love, love promotes peace, peace engenders   justice while justice guarantees freedom and trust. These universal virtues are central to our quest for a peaceful and prosperous continent.”

Speaking on the theme of the conference, Jonathan said: “I believe that its theme, ‘Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa Centered on Universal Values: Interdependence, mutual prosperity and Universal Values’, speaks directly to the need for a concerted effort towards healing a troubled world.

“I will continue to state that the dream of the ISCP is consistent with my personal ideals and that of my Foundation. The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) is committed to the principles that strengthen democracy, good governance, peace and stability while promoting prosperity through youth empowerment in Africa.

“Building peace is a task for every one of us, irrespective of the position one occupies; whether as a leader or a follower, peace is an ideal which we must deliberately work for. Peace is not rain from heaven, it is a seed we plant and nurture for it to grow and bear fruits in our families, countries and the world at large.

“Peace, justice and democracy are some of the greatest ideas of our world. It is the tripod upon which sustainable development stands. Peace and development are mutually linked; none can survive in the absence of the other.”