'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - President Bola Tinubu in a powerful appeal at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, called for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, stressing that the prolonged conflict in Palestine has caused "immeasurable suffering."
Addressing fellow Heads of State from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States, Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution, advocating for a peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine based on mutual security and dignity. He described the two-state solution as "a viable path to lasting peace in the region," urging global leaders to take concrete action beyond "empty condemnations."
The Nigerian President’s address underscored Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to diplomatic solutions and the preservation of human rights in conflict zones.
“No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives,” he stated, calling for all parties to observe proportionality and prioritize civilian rights. He emphasized that, while self-defense is a legitimate right for states, it must align with international legal, diplomatic, and moral standards.
President Tinubu praised Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in convening the summit, which he described as a vital step toward renewed diplomatic efforts. He also advocated for the establishment of a secretariat to oversee the resolutions of the summit and encouraged a global coalition of select leaders to provide regular progress reports until a permanent peace is achieved.
In his opening address, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, including the targeting of civilians and obstruction of UN aid delivery to Palestine. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Palestinian statehood along the 1967 borders and urged more nations to support the newly established Global Coalition for Palestinian recognition.
President Tinubu’s remarks underscored Nigeria's own experiences with internal diversity and the importance of dialogue in resolving deep-seated conflicts. He concluded with a call for "honest conversation" and "new thinking" to foster understanding and build sustainable peace in the Middle East.
