A non-governmental organisation, SINOAFRIK Media Documentation and Development Network, has reacted to a recent viral video showing six Nigerians in the Central African Republic (CAR) complaining about abandonment and passport seizure by a Nigerian businessman working for a Chinese company.
In a press statement signed by its Programme Director, Austin Maho, and made available to the press, the body decried what it described as “unusual negative media sensationalisation about Chinese interests fueled by propagandist media” as responsible for the widely circulated video which it said “was designed to tarnish the image of the Chinese company and undermine China Africa relations.
Recall that in a recent viral video, six Nigerians were lamenting their faith in the hands of a purported Chinese company which hired them in Nigeria, took them to the CAR and abandoned them without pay while also withholding their international passports.
Their sponsor, now identified as Abdulrauf Ademola, has issued a statement refuting the allegations made by the six Nigerian workers who accused him of passport seizure, unpaid salaries, and abandonment in the widely circulated video.
SINOAFRIK therefore cautions Nigerians, especially social media users, to be wary of the antics of media manipulators who are out to destroy the relationship between Nigeria and China and Africa in general.
“China and Nigeria have grown from strength to strength in their relationship. The media should focus on the collaborative and productive relationship between both countries and be wary of the antics of propagandists and propaganda media who want to use every opportunity to discredit China and Chinese businesses operating in the continent by spreading fake news or distorting facts to achieve a predetermined objective which is usually designed to discredit China or set friendly countries against it,” the statement said.
It reiterated that China has, through practical actions, demonstrated commitment to China-Africa relations, in line with South-South solidarity and the Spirit of the Forum on China-African Cooperation (FOCAC).
“China has demonstrated commitment to China-Africa relations in line with South-South solidarity and the spirit of FOCAC, which has enhanced trade, investment and infrastructure development on the continent, fostering South-South engagement and global development,” the statement added.
The body called on media practitioners to remain vigilant and to always report on China and Africa in a fair, balanced, and truthful manner, reflecting the solidarity and mutual relationship that exists between China and Africa.
