Table of Contents
- Concerned Igbo Group's Statement
- Vice President's Speech at UNGA’80
- INU-W's Press Release
- Concerns Over Insecurity
- Moral Justification for Security Council Membership
- Questioning Nigeria's Stance
- Accusation of Double Standards
- Advice to Tinubu's Administration
A concerned Igbo organization, the Igbo National Union-Worldwide (INU-W), has criticized the Nigerian government for endorsing the call for the political recognition of a Palestinian State by the United Nations during the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA’80) in New York.
The advocacy group stated that the speech delivered by Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at UNGA’80, was inappropriate, especially considering that many individuals are suffering in Nigerian prisons for their peaceful demands for self-determination.
INU-W, in a press release signed by its Admin Secretary, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, emphasized that the call was belittling and unwarranted, noting that Nigeria does not genuinely support self-determination, even though the principle is enshrined in both the UN and Nigerian constitutions.
“Among the issues raised were the need for Africa to secure a permanent seat on the Security Council and the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. These two pressing matters are of great concern to the Igbo National Union Worldwide,” the statement read.
“The worries of INU-W stem from the escalating insecurity plaguing Africa, particularly Nigeria. Violence, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and ransom abductions do not justify Africa, especially Nigeria, holding a permanent seat at the UN,” the release continued.
The Admin Secretary of the organization asserted that Nigeria, facing rampant insecurity, criminality, and corruption across nearly all of its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), lacks the moral authority and capability to be granted permanent membership on the Security Council.
“Charity, as they say, begins at home. Nigeria must first address the security challenges within its borders that have resulted in the loss of countless lives and widespread destruction of property and public infrastructure,” he stated.
“The most significant and symbolic gesture made by Nigeria at the meeting was its tacit acknowledgment of a Palestinian State. Thus, the question posed by the Igbo National Union Worldwide is whether Nigeria's actions were influenced by observing other nations or if it genuinely recognized the importance of freedom for indigenous peoples,” the group questioned.
Ndukwu described the call for the recognition of a Palestinian State as a personal decision made by the Vice President in solidarity with his Muslim counterparts.
He suggested that it is hypocritical for Nigeria to suddenly advocate for the freedom of indigenous peoples outside Africa while numerous groups seeking self-determination are imprisoned in various correctional facilities and police stations within the country.
The organization urged Tinubu's administration to eliminate what they referred to as hypocrisy by releasing all prisoners of conscience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Igbo National Union-Worldwide's stance on Nigeria's support for Palestine?
The Igbo National Union-Worldwide criticizes Nigeria's support for Palestine, viewing it as hypocritical given the country's issues with self-determination and the imprisonment of civil rights activists.
What concerns did INU-W raise regarding Nigeria's security situation?
INU-W expressed deep concerns about the high levels of insecurity, criminality, and corruption in Nigeria, arguing that these issues undermine the country's ability to hold a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
What does INU-W suggest Nigeria should do regarding prisoners of conscience?
INU-W advises the Tinubu administration to release all prisoners of conscience to address the perceived hypocrisy of advocating for freedom abroad while suppressing similar movements domestically.
