In a powerful and emotional speech before the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, passionately advocated for justice, equality, and the long-overdue rights of the Palestinian people. His words resonated across the hall, painting a vivid picture of a conflict that has torn apart lives for decades, yet remains unresolved in the eyes of the world.
A Call for Palestinian Independence:
Shettima didn't mince words when he declared, "The Palestinian people deserve a home of their own, on territories already recognized by international law." His voice carried the weight of Nigeria's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, expressing the anguish of witnessing the ongoing devastation in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
In his remarks, the Vice President highlighted the horrific situation in Gaza, describing it as "heart-wrenching." He urged the international community to stop turning a blind eye to the suffering, emphasizing, “We cannot discuss war and peace, conflicts and reconciliation, or digital humanitarian imperatives today without reflecting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has been raging since 7th October last year.”
His message was clear: the time for empty promises is over. “Palestine deserves independence,” he affirmed, slamming those who continue to ignore the resolutions of international law and the repeated calls for peace.
Two-State Solution: The Only Path Forward
Reiterating Nigeria's position, Shettima voiced the nation's commitment to reviving the two-state solution, which envisions peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. “We continue to urge efforts to bring back on track the ‘two-state solution,’ which offers the prospect of a new beginning for the region,” he said.
The conflict, as he reminded the assembly, has persisted for more than half a century, simmering without resolution. Nigeria stands alongside other nations such as South Africa, Namibia, Greece, and Colombia, all united in calling for Palestinian independence at this pivotal moment.
A Global Failure: Has the World Failed Gaza?
Shettima's speech cut deeper than political rhetoric—it was a sobering reflection on the failure of global leadership. “The war in Gaza shows that the international community has failed to live up to the spirit and aspirations of the United Nations—to rid the world of inequality, violence, and domination of one people by another,” he said.
In a direct and poignant statement, he argued that justice must never be confused with revenge. “Justice is antithetical to revenge,” he said, adding that freedom is a right that no people should be denied. His words echoed with a sense of urgency—urging world leaders to reflect on their role in ensuring peace and equity.
Beyond Palestine: Africa, Global Justice, and Reform
While Palestine was a focal point, Shettima’s address also tackled broader issues. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace, particularly in Africa. Nigeria, a key player in UN Peacekeeping Operations, continues to advocate for stronger, more professional African armies to tackle the numerous challenges the continent faces—from terrorism to regional conflicts.
He further stressed the need to operationalize the African Standby Force, urging international support to bolster Africa’s capabilities in counter-terrorism and conflict resolution.
And in a bold move that could reshape the geopolitical landscape, Vice President Shettima renewed calls for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, saying, “Nigeria and other African nations deserve a permanent seat at the table.” His appeal for inclusivity, equality, and cooperation hit home, as the Vice President argued that these values are the only way forward in a world plagued by crises.
A Call to Action: Global Hunger, Terrorism, Climate Change, and Debt Forgiveness
The Vice President didn’t stop at conflict. In his speech, he painted a picture of the existential challenges facing humanity, from global hunger and terrorism to the devastating effects of climate change. He called on world leaders to take collective action, urging them to face these challenges head-on, without delay.
He also called for renewed financial structures, including debt forgiveness for developing countries—a move that could relieve many nations drowning under the weight of financial obligations, allowing them to invest in their people and infrastructure.
The Time for Action is Now
Vice President Shettima’s speech at the UN was not just a message—it was a call to action, a rallying cry for justice, and a demand for reform. His words—delivered with clarity and conviction—spoke to the hearts of millions around the world who have long waited for justice and equality.
As Nigeria continues to champion the rights of the oppressed and fight for a more inclusive and fair world order, the question remains: will the global community finally answer the call?
This moment at the UN may just be a turning point, not only for Palestine but for a world in desperate need of change.
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