The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has called out to public officials to be more active in their service delivery in order for them to avoid harassment abroad.

The President of NICASA, Mr Ben Okoli has made this appeal in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

Okoli had spoken against the backdrop of the practice by grieving African nationals to attack public officials abroad over issues of poor governance in their home countries.

According to him, public officials should be more active and they should live up to the expectations of the citizens to avoid attacks.

“I do not support the harassment of public officials, it is not something we should promote, rather we should encourage Nigerians at home to embrace and support the new 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.

“People will take laws into their hands even when we do not encourage or promote that. I encourage political officeholders to live up to their bidding.

“To protect and promote the interest of the masses and not their own interest; when masses are disenfranchised and their welfare not catered for, they will become resentful,” Okoli said.

He also said that such might result in unnecessary attacks against political officeholders when found outside the shores of Nigeria.

He advised the political class to ensure they do not do things that could put them out for attacks.