Nigerians and their Hypocrisy about Xenophobia in South Africa

When I hear Nigerians talk about the recent Xenophobic killings in South Africa I wonder if we actually understand what the word Xenophobia really means or we are just being our usual hypocritical selves.

It is almost sickening to read rants by Nigerians on social media condemning South Africans as if we are any better.

Do Nigerians even know that we are one of the most Xenophobic creatures on this planet? Do we even know that the whole argument about who owns or do not own Lagos or the indigene-settler dichotomy practiced across the country are all symptoms of deep rooted Xenophobia in our psyche.

My point is that Nigerians do not have the moral authority to judge South Africans, because we are worse. We may not be publicly spilling blood yet, but if we do not caution ourselves, Xenophobic killing will just seem like Child's play compared to the genocide that could result from our Xenophobia, considering our deep rooted mistrust for each other.

So, lets see this occurrences in South Africa as a chance to reflect on our own demons rather than our usual hypocritical and holier than thou attitude.